Ben D. Johnson Educational Center

The mission of Ben D. Johnson Educational Center is to build community in Natchitoches and give access to social and economic success for all of its residents. The Ben D. Johnson Educational Center was founded by Claire Prymus in honor of her late Uncle Mr. Ben D. Johnson. Mr. Johnson was a successful, self-made business man. During the 1960’s, his holdings represented one of the largest minority-owned enterprises in the state of Louisiana. Businesses included Winnfield Funeral Homes, Winnfield Casket, Winnfield Life Insurance, BDJ Construction Company and real estate development. Mr. Johnson built his home in 1959 in the center of the neighborhood he served, and lived there until his death in 2005. Mr. Johnson loved his community and gave of himself, his time and his earnings. When residents could not get loans from banks to buy their first home or car, they went to Mr. Johnson. When a neighbor fell upon hard times and couldn’t make ends meet, they went to Mr. Johnson. When churches could not get support from financial institutions, they too went to Mr. Johnson. Mr. Johnson believed in the City of Natchitoches, the community where he lived, the people who made up those neighborhoods and most importantly, the youth who were his greatest concern. To continue Mr. Johnson’s legacy to support the youth in Natchitoches, the Ben D. Johnson Educational Center (BDJ Center) was formed. The center’s main goal is to empower young adults between 17 - 24, who are not in school and not working to reach their full potential. BDJ Center is composed of several programs designed to transform lives and build community in Natchitoches. These programs are the Legacy Youth Workforce Development Program, the Legacy Garden, the Legacy Cafe, and Legacy Corner Store.