b'my life, recalls Johnson.But thankfully, he says heShalia,Marguis,Semagie,andotheryoungpeople decided to change his life and use his experiences towhose fathers are not in their lives.motivate other young people. He quit the gang and beganvolunteeringindifferentschoolsasalunchNEW DIRECTIONbuddyandpeermediator.JohnsonsayshealsoIn2018,heformedVictimsAdvocatesCovered worked undercover in high schools to help the policeUnderUltimateMercy(VACUUM)tosupport identify student gang members who had weapons invictims and their families of violent crimes.Johnson school.alsoparticipatesinapodcastonSixEyesRadio NetworkwithAJandtheSquad.Eachsquad Losinghissightmadeitdifficulttokeepajob."Imemberhasspecialqualitiesthattheybringto amgratefultotheColumbiaEyeClinic,Bostontheshow,heexplained. Imthecomedianinthe Foundation, MUSCs Stormy Eye Institute, and thegroup and I portray two characters - Little Bille and SC Commission for the Blind for helping me realizeCountry Boy Johnson. The podcast airs Friday nights thatevenwithlosingmysight,Icouldstillliveaat 8:30p.m. and can be accessed by dialing 424-243-productive lifelife," says Johnson. Currently, Johnson9617. isamotivationalspeakerandtravelsthroughout the region speaking out against violence in schools.In January 2022, Johnson says he answered the call Hediscoveredhisnewtalentthatmotivatesyoungto the ministry.He firmly believes that his combined students by pantomiming and mimicking 40 differentspiritual and motivational role are powerful forces for cartoon characters. He also mimics rappers to get thebreaking down walls of failure with prayer and faith. attentionofolderyouth.WhileJohnsondoesnotHe says he is dedicated to helping others, youth and have any children of his own, he is a father figure foradults, continue on their path to success. Follow IMARA WomanMagazine on Facebook!IMARA29'