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.

  Kobe Bryant made a statement about the Miami Heat jumping to Travyon Martin‘s defense without having all the facts. He furthermore says this an issue in the Black community where Black people come to other Black people’s defense for race alone. Listen to this edition of 3 Things You Should Know to hear Jeff Johnson explain why […]

  Jeff Johnson says Washington Washington Football Team owner is crazy. Listen to 3 Things You Should Know in the audio player to hear about the offensive organization he created instead of changing the name of the team. Plus, get the rest of things you need to know today!    Click here for more 3 Things You Should Know from Jeff Johnson and listen […]

Bill O’Reilly recently criticized Beyonce for being too sexy and setting a bad example for her  young audience. Jeff Johnson has three reasons why his comments about the superstar are wrong. Listen to 3 Things You Should Know in the audio player to hear Jeff talk about the evolution of Beyonce and the many reasons we should applaud her.   Click here for […]

Jeff Johnson believes we all can learn something from Chris Brown‘s return to jail. Listen to 3 Things You Should Know in the audio player to find out what this says about anger management in the Black community.  Click here for more 3 Things You Should Know from Jeff Johnson and listen to “The Rickey Smiley Morning Show” weekdays from 6-10 am EST! […]

People are up and arms about Quvenzhané Wallis  playing the lead role in forthcoming film “Annie,” originally played by a White girl. But Jeff Johnson doesn’t understand when there have been plenty of White actors who’ve played roles of Black characters. Listen to 3 Things You Should Know in the audio player to hear five Black roles played by […]

Jeff Johnson doesn’t believe Marissa Alexander, a women sentenced 20 years in prison for firing shots during a fight with her violent husband, is receiving the same support witnessed for Travyon Martin and Jordan Davis. Alexander could now face 60 years, if convicted again in a re-trial. Listen to this edition of 3 Things You Should Know to hear why […]

Free Mr. Henry! If you haven’t heard,  Mr. Henry from “The Rickey Smiley Morning Show” was arrested. Rickey Smiley and the rest of the cast need him to get out immediately, so they are seeking help from brother Jeff Johnson.  Listen to the audio to hear which civil rights leaders he’s rallying together. Plus, hear […]

So many people get dating wrong, but today Jeff Johnson is giving us the bottom line in 3 Things You Should Know. Listen to the audio player to hear the top three things men and women need to know about dating! Click here for more 3 Things You Should Know from Jeff Johnson and listen to “The Rickey Smiley Morning […]

Remember a few episodes back on “The Real Housewives Of Atlanta” when Porsha Williams, granddaughter of a former civil rights leader, didn’t know The Underground Railroad wasn’t a real train? Jeff Johnson says this is part of the problem. Listen to this edition of 3 Things You Should Know to hear why this is one of the […]

The “celebrity” boxing match with DMX and George Zimmerman is real, but Jeff Johnson says that doesn’t mean we have to support it. Listen to his  3 Things You Should Know to hear him explain why this is something no one should support and find out how you can potentially stop the fight. Click here for more 3 Things You […]