Dr. Selwyn Johnson was born on August 21, 1934 in Trinidad & Tobago to parents Beryl and Rodan Johnson. Selwyn emigrated to the United States in 1963 to attend Howard University where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Economics. In 1978, after years of extensive studies, he was successful in achieving a Doctorate of Philosophy from Union University in California. On June 20, 1964, he married his fiancée, Yvonne Blake, in Washington D.C. A few years later they started a family with the births of their children, Robert and Ingrid.
Selwyn began his employment at Opportunities Industrialization Center (O.I.C.)in Washington D.C. There he trained young people from the community with the professional skills required for the workforce, and eventually job placement. Selwyn worked at O.I.C. for over 30 years and transitioned to the Department of Employment Services as a Lead Claim Specialist until he retired in 2021.
An avid sports fan, Selwyn enjoyed cricket, football, horse racing, soccer, tennis and golf, and was a longtime season ticket holder for the Washington Football Team. A strong family man, Selwyn enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his granddaughters. He loved Trinidad & Tobago, and for many years, he returned annually for Carnival.
Selwyn Johnson passed away on February 19, 2022 and is survived by his loving wife, Yvonne, his son, Robert, his daughter, Ingrid, his brother, Irwin, and granddaughters Bryanna and Sydney.
