Vernon Johnson heads to Africa to launch new journal

Vernon Johnson, a professor of political science at Western Washington University, leaves for Africa today to launch the new "African Journal of Governance and Development." Johnson is the editor in chief of the journal, the first issue of which is to be published Nov. 24. An event celebrating the launch will be held at the University of St. Thomas in Mabuto, Mozambique.

While in Africa, Johnson will visit the country of Uganda for three days to check out some of the non-governmental organizations there who have been working with the Slum Doctor Programme. Johnson is on the board of the Slum Doctor Programme, which is based in Bellingham. Johnson also will be checking for opportunities to bring Western students to Uganda to learn there for a quarter. Johnson currently teaches a class of Western students each winter in South Africa.