AO Leaders Statement in Memory of Aron Johnson

Feb 5

Written By NCDP Hispanic American Caucus .

Yesterday, the State of North Carolina lost a true leader: a man who had already accomplished much, but had yet so much more to offer the world. Aron Johnson lived a life committed to others, where he fought for justice in a world where it can so often be hard to find. But Aron was a true believer in democracy and in the ability of people to organize together for common liberation.

Aron’s life was cut short only a few months after his thirtieth birthday. But the real tragedy lies not in a life that lacked fulfillment. Aron Johnson packed into his thirty years of life, more impact and accomplishment than many who have lived three times as long. The true tragedy in a life like Aron’s cut short far too soon, is what changes he might yet have wrought were he to have continued fighting and organizing for a better world.

We, the undersigned, represent the Affiliated Organizations of the North Carolina Democratic Party: each representing one facet of the full diversity of North Carolina’s people. Aron was our leader. He coordinated our efforts and helped each of our organizations grow further and bring yet more people into the Democratic fold. In doing so he also helped ensure that the leaders we elect across our state actually give concern to the needs of every community, no matter how small or lacking in political power.

Aron represented the best among us. He also represented how truly connected so much of our work happens to be. In one person, Aron was a leader among men; he was black leader; he was a gay leader; he was a young leader; he was a progressive leader; he was a leader from rural America; and Aron was so many other things besides. The sum total of who Aron was transcended all of the constituent parts that made him up. But it was his commitment to all parts of himself and to stand up for all people, no matter whether they shared his identities or not, that made Aron Johnson truly great!

The Democratic Party is stronger because of Aron Johnson: not just because of the campaigns he won, but also because of the type of Party and type of politics he spent his lifetime striving to realize. In his own true words, Aron called himself a “Dreamer of Big Dreams” and a “Fighter of Big Fights.” We, the leaders of the Affiliated Organizations of the North Carolina Democratic Party, wish to declare directly to our departed colleague and friend, Aron Johnson, that your fight was not in vain and that we proudly pick up the torch you bore in hopes that the world we build in years to come, might better resemble the world you dreamed and fought for.

With sincerest gratitude for a life well-lived,

Adrian Maldonado Jr.

President, Hispanic Democrats of North Carolina

Rev. Clayton W. Brooks, III

President, Democratic Men of North Carolina

Michael C. Haywood

President, African American Caucus of the North Carolina Democratic Party

Reem Subei

President, Arab Caucus

Vishal Ghadia

President, Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Caucus

Nathan Linville