Dr. Oren A. Johnson, Jr.

Oren A. Johnson, Jr.
July 6, 1950 – November 13, 2024

Oren A. Johnson, Jr. was born on July 6, 1950, to Oren A. and Athalia Maxine Johnson at Edwards Memorial Hospital in Oklahoma City. He was lovingly nurtured by a family rooted in faith, perseverance, and community, standing on the shoulders of those who came before him. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents, whose legacy of strength and resilience he carried forward.

A lifelong member of Tabitha Baptist Church, Oren’s foundation of faith began early. Singing in the Youth Choir, he found a voice that resonated with the soul of his community and a connection to a rich tradition of gospel and fellowship.

Oren’s academic journey was a testament to his brilliance and determination. A proud graduate of Frederick A. Douglass High School in 1968, he embodied the Trojan spirit, excelling on the tennis court and in the classroom. As a young scholar, he was drawn to innovation and problem-solving, particularly through his passion for electronics.

His thirst for knowledge took him to the prestigious Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, where he stood as a trailblazer. While there, he became a pivotal figure in efforts to expand opportunities for African American students, helping coordinate a national recruiting program that would leave an indelible mark on the university's future. Oren later continued his studies at the Fels Institute of Government, demonstrating his commitment to leadership and public service.

After a brief tenure teaching in Atlanta, Oren returned home to Oklahoma City, stepping into the rich legacy of his family as he assisted his father in closing the historic Mistletoe Shoe Repair Shop. Rooted in his heritage, Oren pursued his graduate studies at the University of Oklahoma, where he reached the pinnacle of academic achievement by earning his PhD. This accomplishment not only reflected his personal excellence but also the hopes and dreams of generations that came before him.

For decades, Oren poured his wisdom and passion into the halls of Langston University, the only historically Black college in Oklahoma. As a professor of business, he was more than an educator—he was a mentor, a guide, and a builder of legacies. Through his teaching, he inspired countless students to rise above and embrace their potential, helping shape leaders of tomorrow.

Oren’s life was a reflection of the African American experience—one of faith, family, perseverance, and excellence. He is survived by his devoted brother, James (Melba) Johnson, his cherished niece, Tiffanie Selmon, his beloved great-niece, Kennedi Selmon, and a host of cousins and extended family who will forever carry his memory in their hearts. His presence will also be profoundly missed by his Esquire brothers, fellow Douglass Trojans, Penn classmates, and the countless students and colleagues whose lives he transformed.

Oren A. Johnson, Jr. was a son of the community, a keeper of its history, and a beacon of its future. His story, like the melodies of a soulful hymn, will forever echo in the hearts of those who were blessed to know him.

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