Madison Reporter

For the past 11 years, Johnnie Milton has played a significant role at La Follette High School as a multicultural coordinator. His work focuses on fostering a supportive environment and helping students prepare for graduation, further education, or entering the workforce.

Milton emphasizes the potential in every student, stating, “All of our students have potential. We need to help them see that. It’s not always easy, but our support is crucial to their success.” He believes in starting each day anew with his students.

Through initiatives like the Black Student Union's fundraising efforts for school events, Milton fosters community engagement. "The kids worked hard to fundraise so this event can happen," he explained. "Events like this build community."

One of Milton's key contributions is organizing tours of Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), offering students firsthand experiences of these institutions and their history. In addition to college tours, Milton incorporates visits to Black historical museums and monuments into these trips.

Milton also encourages students to connect with their personal histories. He keeps a portrait of his aunt and grandmother in his office as a reminder of his own family's journey through discrimination and adversity. “My dad was born in 1929, and faced intense discrimination,” Milton shared.

His family history includes land ownership under the Homestead Act of 1862 despite facing racial barriers. "My Uncle Frank got 120 acres and three mules," Milton said. He challenges students to learn from their pasts to shape their futures.

Milton measures his success by his students' achievements. Former students often reach out to share their progress, including one who became a lawyer after attending Spelman and Howard universities. Parents also show appreciation for his dedication; one couple made him promise not to leave until their youngest graduated.

Reflecting on his career impact, Milton said: “It’s all about my students, and when parents believe in me... I feel really good about the work I’m doing.” Over his career, he has worked with over 10,000 students at both La Follette High School and Sennett Middle School.

He continues to be involved with various student organizations such as the Black Student Union, Union Latina, Asian Club, Native American Student Association, and Multicultural Club.