the slave trade and to enduring racism in school history and practice. “As you dig through archives, you find stories
that you didn’t know needed telling,” said the University of Virginia’s Kirt von Daacke, Ph.D., USS managing director. “Collectively at Queens, people are very
interested, especially as an institution of higher learning, to take a closer look and make sure we are telling a true and complete story,” said María del Carmen Flores, vice president of student engagement and dean of students at Queens. Matthew Brown ’24, a nursing student from Kennesaw, Ga., is a fellow with the Charlotte
His Favorite Chair Rocks On
REMEMBERING FORMER QUEENS CHIEF OF POLICE JOHNNIE RAVENELL
One bright, sunny afternoon I noticed a large shadowy silhouette on the front porch of the Queens Health and Wellness Center. My pulse jumped, as I was alone inside that summer day. Then I recognized a familiar figure lowering into one of the rocking chairs on the front porch. It was Chief Johnnie Ravenell! I met him outside with a familiar greeting we both used, “C’mon, chile, and sit for a while!”
Johnnie called our front
“AS YOU DIG THROUGH ARCHIVES, YOU FIND
STORIES THAT YOU DIDN’T KNOW NEEDED TELLING.”
—Kirt von Daacke, Ph.D., USS managing director.
porch his happy place on campus even after he retired. We enjoyed catching up and seeing who could make the other laugh the most. Johnnie was full of wisdom and advice, and he loved to spill some tea—if you know what I mean. The former chief of police for Queens University of
Charlotte, Johnnie (well known to members of the Queens community as “Chief”) lovingly prioritized the safety and well- being of students, faculty, staff, and all on-campus visitors from 1990 to 2015. He passed away on Jan. 19, 2022, after a brief illness. He was 73. Chief was a massive man, in stature and in spirit. He had a
Racial Justice Consortium, a partnership between Queens, Johnson C. Smith University, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Johnson and Wales University-Charlotte Campus and Central Piedmont Community College. He did archival research and interviewed President Lugo about what he found. Less than two years later, Brown points to developing leadership and mentorship programs of DICE, among other campus initiatives in support of racial equity. Brown sees Queens’ new membership in the international consortium as a way to deepen and broaden the context of the past, for the benefit of the present and future. “We need to keep creating a place that’s safe and comfortable for everyone,” he said.
big smile, endless dimples and a hearty laugh. One time, Chief bent down and whispered in my ear, “See that one? Over there? I want you to keep an eye out; I am worried about her.” It was a student that he had observed being withdrawn much of the time. This was not the last time that Chief would let me know about a student or staff member who was struggling and needed support. He taught me how to be a better human and a better caregiver. Everyone who worked with him at Queens has a story with Chief as their hero.
Chief Johnnie left behind a loving family and countless friends. I will so miss our front porch visits, but I remember him every day as I pass and gently rock his favorite chair.
—Jill Perry, RN, MSN ’09, is assistant dean and director of Health and Wellness Services at Queens.
Summer
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