About Jeff Johnson

Jeff Johnson has contributed commentary and analysis about issues related to race, politics, popular culture and socio-economics for a litany of top tier media outlets that include CNN, Fox News, BET and The Dr. Phil Show. He continues to provide weekly commentary on the nationally syndicated Rickey Smiley Morning Show tackling issues on politics, entertainment and social policy issues for its 8 million listeners.

As an award-winning journalist, social activist, political commentator, and author Jeff began his journey to “playing a great part in the world” as a student/leader at the University of Toledo; serving as the President of Student Government and the Black Student Union. Early in his professional career Jeff ascended to national leadership positions, becoming the National Director for the NAACP’s Youth and College Division, as well as Vice President of the Hip Hop Summit Action Network. It was in these capacities that Johnson began to develop and cultivate his passion for politics and social activism and laid the groundwork for a career that exemplifies service and awareness. Johnson’s dedication and superb work ethic garnered the attention of African American cable network BET and in 2003 Johnson began a 5-year engagement as the resident cultural and political affairs commentator of the popular music show, Rap City. Additional work with the network included The Jeff Johnson Chronicles as well as the weekly news show, The Truth with Jeff Johnson. In 2008 Johnson received the NABJ Salute to Excellence Award for BET’s “Life & Death in Darfur, Jeff Johnson Reports” series. Johnson ended his tenure with BET known as the “conscience voice” of the network and still values the experience as a defining point in his personal and professional path.

In 2009 Johnson published his first book, “Everything I’m Not Made Me Everything I Am; Discovering Your Personal Best.” This empowering strategic guide for manifesting and achieving your personal BEST showcases Johnson’s unique blend of political consciousness and street-smart inspiration. Publishing this book enabled the world to see his multi- faceted appeal and approach to a wide variety of topics. A powerful and uplifting book with wide range appeal, “Everything I’m Not Made Me Everything I am” offers practical guidance for learning how to unplug from the programmed expectations of family and society in order to discover and fulfill your unique life’s mission.

Johnson continues to be a catalyst for conversation on topics that define the culture of today. From his celebrated dialogue with marquee world figures, who include the Presidents of the Republic of Liberia and Sudan, President Obama, and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, to his grass-roots trench work to help create a better society, Jeff continues to be a trailblazing social entrepreneur and authentic voice for change. His ability to fluidly shift momentum to accommodate his audience and the overall topic necessity make Johnson a pivotal component to a litany of social conversations. Johnson consistently helps communities, corporations, and institutions to create innovative solutions and develop multi-level partnerships to resolve historic and systemic social imbalances and inequalities.

Johnson resides in Baltimore, MD with his wife Jacqueline and loves to be called dad by Madison, Myles, and Malcolm. To learn more about Jeff Johnson, please visit www.jeffijohnson.com.

Little League International stripped Chicago’s Jackie Robinson West Little League of the 2014 United States title and vacated all the games it won for using ineligible players. Some people think this was about race, but Jeff Johnson says this wasn’t about racism. Listen to the audio player to hear who needs to be held accountable in this edition […]

You often hear about the Cheyney University vs. Lincoln University debate over which is the oldest HBCU, but Jeff Johnson tells us neither are actually the oldest black education institution. Listen to the audio player to hear about the first school and it’s history in this edition of 3 Things You Should Know! Sign Up For Our […]

Today marks the day Trayvon Martin would’ve been 20. While we remember and celebrate his life, we also recognize his parents. Since their son’s murder, Sybrina Fulton and Tracey Martin have dedicated their lives to counseling and helping others. Listen to the audio player to hear Jeff Johnson discuss the many contributions they’ve made to our community […]

  Black History Month is much more than 28 cold days to talk about black people. If you don’t know the history behind the month, Jeff Johnson is breaking everything down for us. Listen to the audio player to hear 3 Things You Should Know about this significant month, and ways you can celebrate the past and present of our […]

A 40-year-old woman had the Internet talking this week. Why? Because she married herself, ceremony and all. Initially, the idea seemed crazy to Jeff Johnson, but after he thought more about it, he thought maybe it wasn’t so crazy after all. Listen to the audio player to hear him discuss this new way of celebrating life in this edition of 3 […]

  Three former Super Bowl champions wrote a letter to the NFL on why they change their policy on marijuana. Jeff Johnson said it was a brilliant letter to get the NFL’s attention on why this is important. Listen to the audio player to hear how this could affect the players and black people in this edition of 3 Things […]

As we approach Martin Luther King Day to honor and celebrate his life and service to this country, Jeff Johnson fills us in on some info we probably didn’t know. Listen to the audio player to hear him discuss the history of Martin Luther King Day, why we celebrate him, and how it almost didn’t become a national […]

Over the last week we’ve heard a lot about the terror attacks in Paris. But Jeff Johnson says we shouldn’t forget about the 2,000 people who were just killed in Nigeria. Listen to the audio player to hear him discuss the #AllLivesMatter campaign, and why we should rally behind all global crisis in this edition of 3 Things You Should […]

There has been a lot of talk about the “Anti-Hoodie,” but it’s not exactly what you think. Listen to the audio player to hear Jeff Johnson explain what the bill Oklahoma is trying to pass is really about in this edition of 3 Things You Should Know. Sign Up For Our Newsletter! Click here for more 3 Things You Should Know from Jeff […]

You might think “Selma” is just another black movie, but Jeff Johnson says it’s a spectacular film with a message that relates to us all today. Listen to the audio player to hear his reasons on why we should all support this film, and won’t be sorry that we did in this edition of 3 Things You Should Know. Sign […]