Greensboro mayor tells law students city needs their talents

“In this room, we have some very in-depth thinkers and smart folks,” said Johnson, who became the first African-American and second woman elected mayor of Greensboro by winning 57 percent of the vote in the November election. “There are 87 different ethnic groups in Greensboro. We have a great opportunity to bring these 87 groups into the heartbeat of Greensboro.” Johnson asked students to consider the formation of a think tank to generate ideas that will give a voice to those groups.

Johnson also told students they can serve the community in a variety of other ways. Their legal knowledge can help the city update ordinances and codes that have been on the books for years, Johnson said, and she offered students the chance to intern with the city’s legal department. Various boards, commissions and non-profit organizations in Greensboro can also benefit from the expertise lawyers and law students bring to the table. “If you are so moved to want to mentor an undergraduate or other students, there are those who need you,” Johnson said.

Johnson offered opening remarks on the final day of Leadership and Public Law, an intensive, two-week Winter Term course required of all 2L students. In collaborative work groups, students partnered with a variety of community clients, such as Action Greensboro, Self Help Credit Union and Guilford Child Development, to examine and research a particular issue. On Friday, the groups presented their findings to the clients and the class, offering solutions that will help each organization with annual and long-term strategic planning.