Thank You, Alvin Johnson: A Leader Who Believes in Breaking Cycles
As Alvin Johnson wraps up his term as Board Chair, we're reflecting on the passion and insight he's brought to Boys Town Louisiana. His journey to our board began through a friendship with a former development staff member who thought he'd be a perfect fit. But it was his visit to our City Park Family Home that truly sealed the deal.
"When I went to the house and learned about the kids, their histories and how they were being raised, that's what convinced me," Alvin shared. "I was sold."
As a criminal lawyer working in the District Attorney's office, Alvin had seen firsthand the devastating effects of broken family systems. He watched cycles of poverty and crime play out in courtrooms, often paid by mothers and girlfriends trying to help young men who lacked stable male support. He understood the criminal justice system rarely gives people real opportunities to turn their lives around.
"If kids don't get opportunities when they're younger, in their formative years, they can become criminals and get into cycles that are very difficult to break," Alvin explained. "Boys Town Louisiana helps prevent this cycle before it begins, especially among the most vulnerable kids who lack social supports."
Growing up in a two-parent household himself, Alvin recognized the vital importance of structure and adult guidance. He saw relatives and community members who didn't have that foundation, and he understood how crucial it is for young people to have adults who can pass along morals, values and life skills.
The reality of these cycles hit close to home for Alvin.
"New Orleans is a very small community with a large amount of crime. My cousin got killed and his killer was then murdered. These are cycles that are so difficult to break,” he said.
This personal connection to the challenges facing our city's youth only strengthened his commitment to our mission.
When asked about his most memorable moment as Board Chair, Alvin immediately starts talking about our Spirit of Youth Awards Gala.
"The biggest thing that stood out was getting a chance to interact with the kids. To see them dressed up, receiving accolades, getting all the recognition they deserve,” he said. “These are kids who have had hard lives and bad luck, and seeing them celebrated was so important."
Recently, he visited our Bienville Family Home and got to sit down with our youth and hear about their future plans. Those conversations reminded him exactly why this work matters.
"Kids need structure. They need things to do. They need adults caring for them and programs that give them something productive to work toward," Alvin said. "The criminal justice system for juveniles doesn't adequately prepare them to be independent. Boys Town gives kids the resources and tools for dealing with life."
As Alvin steps down from his leadership role, his impact will continue to shape our work for years to come. His deep understanding of the challenges our youth face, combined with his unwavering belief in their potential, has helped guide us toward a stronger future for Louisiana's most vulnerable children.
Thank you, Alvin, for your leadership, your wisdom and your heart for our kids. The cycles you've helped us break will ripple forward for generations.