A Story of Progress & Innovation: A Virtual Fireside Chat ft. C.E. "Chuck" Johnson

Tuesday, August 11, 2026
6:00pm – 7:30pm EDT
Virtual (Zoom)
Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/9794618227

Join the Black Professionals in International Affairs (BPIA), the Lewis Latimer Fellowship Program, Carillon Historical Park, and Preservation Dayton for an inspiring conversation with C.E. "Chuck" Johnson—chemist, engineer, innovator, historian, and preservation advocate—whose remarkable career alongside legendary inventor Charles F. Kettering helped advance engineering, automotive innovation, materials research, aerospace technology, and experimental research.

Moderated by Alexandria J. Maloney, President of the Black Professionals in International Affairs and a 2025 Lewis Latimer Fellow, this conversation will explore Mr. Johnson's extraordinary journey—from his beginnings as a chemistry student at Central State University, Ohio's only public Historically Black College and University (HBCU), to working directly alongside Charles F. Kettering during the final years of Kettering's life, and later leading engineering, aerospace, and information technology initiatives that helped shape modern innovation.

Together, we'll discuss the importance of preserving Black excellence in STEM, the lessons learned from a lifetime of scientific discovery, how America can remain globally competitive through innovation, and Johnson's advice for the next generation of inventors, engineers, entrepreneurs, scientists, and leaders.

Following the moderated conversation, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a live audience Q&A, offering a rare opportunity to engage directly with one of the few living individuals who worked alongside one of America's greatest inventors.

This event is free and open to the public. Registration is required.

Speaker Bio

C.E. "Chuck" Johnson is a chemist, engineer, innovator, historian, preservation advocate, and lifelong champion of American ingenuity. At more than ninety years old, his extraordinary career spans nearly seven decades of scientific research, engineering innovation, executive leadership, and historical preservation—offering a rare firsthand perspective on many of the technological advances that shaped the twentieth century. Guided by his personal motto, "So much to do, so little time," Johnson continues to lecture, write, research, and inspire future generations through his commitment to education, innovation, and public service. He also continues to share Dayton's rich history with audiences through his YouTube channel, History Speaks; C. E. Johnson.

A proud graduate of Central State University—Ohio's only public Historically Black College and University (HBCU)—Johnson earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry before embarking on a distinguished career that would place him alongside one of America's greatest inventors. He later earned a management degree from Antioch College in 1978, further strengthening the leadership and management expertise that would guide his advancement into executive roles. In 1957, he joined the Charles F. Kettering Research Laboratory as a Senior Research Associate, where he worked directly with Charles F. Kettering during the final years of Kettering's life. Those formative years provided Johnson with a front-row seat to one of the greatest periods of American innovation and shaped a career defined by curiosity, scientific excellence, and practical problem-solving.

Johnson later served in engineering and executive leadership roles supporting Air Force and NASA-related research, environmental systems, aerospace engineering, advanced engineering operations, and information technology. Throughout his career, he advanced from laboratory research to engineering management and executive leadership, contributing to projects that supported scientific discovery, technological advancement, and national defense during one of the most transformative periods in American history.

Following his retirement from industry, Johnson embarked on an equally impactful second career devoted to historic preservation and public education. As a docent, historical interpreter, trustee, and preservation advocate with organizations including Carillon Historical Park and Preservation Dayton, he has dedicated countless hours to preserving the legacy of Charles F. Kettering, the Wright brothers, Paul Laurence Dunbar, and the innovators whose discoveries established Dayton as one of America's great centers of invention. Through lectures, oral history projects, educational programs, and community engagement, he continues to ensure that future generations understand both the history of innovation and the often-overlooked contributions of Black scientists, engineers, and inventors.

Often describing his remarkable life as a "Gump-like journey," Johnson has found himself present at many defining moments in modern American history—from collaborating with Charles F. Kettering and contributing to aerospace innovation to attending the 1963 March on Washington, where he witnessed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s historic "I Have a Dream" speech. His life stands as a testament to curiosity, lifelong learning, service, and the enduring power of innovation to transform society.

Today, C.E. "Chuck" Johnson continues to share his remarkable experiences through public presentations, historical research, preservation initiatives, and educational outreach, inspiring audiences to preserve our nation's history while empowering the next generation of scientists, engineers, innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders.