ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming mayor harvey johnson. [cheers and applause] >> thank you. thank you, for that kind introduction and thank you for that warm welcome. it is my pleasure to be here. i know it is end of the program, so i'm going to speak faster than most southerners, i hope you can understand time is of the essence. i'm really honored to be here and, we, it was mentioned that, i'm, in the class of 76, so i want to, acknowledge my, my classmates of some years ago. floyd johnson and fay edwards. can you stand and, floyd, you, can you stand please? [applause] that was many years ago. fay obviously was a babe when we were in that class. also want to recognize my wife, kathy, who -- thank you. [applause] i'm honored to stand here today as we celebrate 40th anniversary of the national urban fellows program. make that the national urban fellow he is leadership development movement because that is what it actually has been over the last 40 years. more like a movement than a program. this is true, truly a milestone because for 40 year

to introduce mayor harvey johnson. in class of 2010. [applause] >> whopping one. >> good evening everyone. in good evening. and while it is my distinct honor and privilege to introduce the honorable mayor harvey johnson jr. of jackson, mississippi. a man who is dedicated his life to public service and really embodies the values and mission of national urban fellows. in 1997 he made history by being elected jacksons' first african-american mayor. he served two terms leading the charge for economic vitality and growth. the answer in the call to service again in 2009, mayor johnson ran and was reelected for his third term with over 85 percent of the votes. prior two his life in public office, johnson dedicated much of his time and expertise to help the economically depressed small towns with minority leadership obtain access to essential services. he also served as founding executive director of the center for university base development at jackson university. most important mayor johnson is a listing member of the any you have class of 19