History of Sol C. Johnson and the Lillian E. Blake Queen Extravaganza & Scholarship Fund

Honoring a Legacy of Leadership and Education

The Lillian E. Blake Queen Extravaganza and Sol C. Johnson Scholarship Fund represent the continued commitment of the Prince Hall Family to uplift and invest in the next generation through education and service. This powerful partnership celebrates history, fosters community pride, and funds opportunities for deserving students across Georgia.

Sol C. Johnson – A Pillar of Progress

Solomon Charles Johnson, affectionately known as Sol C. Johnson, was a trailblazing journalist, editor, publisher, and civic leader in Savannah, Georgia. Born in 1868, he became the editor of the Savannah Tribune in 1889 and later purchased the paper in 1909. Under his stewardship, the Tribune became a voice for civil rights, economic empowerment, and educational advocacy for the African American community.

Brother Johnson served as Grand Secretary of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Georgia for over 50 years and was instrumental in establishing the Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star of Georgia, in 1898. His unwavering commitment to community development led to his service on multiple boards, including Charity Hospital and the Carnegie Library.

To honor his enduring legacy, Savannah established Sol C. Johnson High School in 1959, a symbol of his dedication to youth, education, and service.

The Lillian E. Blake Queen Extravaganza

Named in honor of Past Grand Worthy Matron Lillian E. Blake, the Queen Extravaganza is an annual event hosted by the Prince Hall Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, Jurisdiction of Georgia. The Extravaganza is more than a pageant — it is a celebration of excellence, sisterhood, and service. Chapters across the state present their local queens, and through friendly competition, raise scholarship funds that directly benefit students in their communities.

The event also crowns a District Queen and the Grand Chapter Queen, spotlighting grace, leadership, and purpose. Participants not only raise funds but represent the values of our Order through their poise, community involvement, and commitment to education.

The Sol C. Johnson Scholarship Fund

Proceeds from the Lillian E. Blake Queen Extravaganza support the Sol C. Johnson Scholarship Fund, which awards annual scholarships to deserving high school seniors pursuing higher education. The fund directly reflects Brother Johnson’s passion for education and the Order’s commitment to fostering opportunities for future leaders.

Over the years, thousands of dollars have been awarded to students statewide. In 2009 alone, 35 scholarships were presented to youth in Savannah and surrounding areas. In recent years, the event has continued to grow—raising over $250,000 in 2023 to benefit scholarship recipients across Georgia.

Our District’s Commitment

Savannah’s First Masonic District proudly supports and participates in the Lillian E. Blake Queen Extravaganza annually. Each Chapter within our District sponsors a local queen candidate who champions scholarship efforts. Funds raised by our District directly contribute to the success of the Sol C. Johnson Scholarship recipients.

Through this initiative, we honor our past, empower the present, and invest in the future—one scholarship at a time.

Sources and References

1. Wikipedia – Solomon C. Johnson
   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solomon_C._Johnson

2. Wikipedia – Johnson High School (Savannah, Georgia)
   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnson_High_School_(Savannah,_Georgia)

3. Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Georgia – 2023 Digest
   https://www.mwphglga.org/docs/digest/2023/7th_Digest.pdf

4. The Savannah Tribune Archives – July 22, 2009 Edition
   https://gahistoricnewspapers.galileo.usg.edu/lccn/sn95003657/2009-07-22/ed-1/seq-8/

Sources are also listed on the District Resources page for archival purposes.