Jeff Johnson
MSNBC Contributor and White House Correspondent for The Grio
Jeff Johnson is an award-winning journalist, social activist and political commentator, and author. From his celebrated conversations with marquee world figures in the political, business and entertainment arenas to his grass-roots trench work to inspire the next generation of leaders; investigative journalist, political correspondent, and activist, Jeff Johnson continues to be a trailblazing social entrepreneur…
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Full Bio
Jeff Johnson is an award-winning journalist, social activist and political commentator, and author. From his celebrated conversations with marquee world figures in the political, business and entertainment arenas to his grass-roots trench work to inspire the next generation of leaders; investigative journalist, political correspondent, and activist, Jeff Johnson continues to be a trailblazing social entrepreneur and authentic voice for change.
Currently, Jeff is a MSNBC contributor and the Chief White House Correspondent for TheGrio.com. He is also the weekly commentator on the nationally syndicated Tom Joyner Morning Show tackling issues on politics, entertainment and social policy issues. Johnson is also currently the Chairman and CEO of the Jeff Johnson Institute for Urban Development, a solutions based institution currently leading a 5 year project to recruit and develop 80,000 black male teachers.
Formally Jeff spent seven years providing commentary and news content for Black Entertainment Television, earning a reputation as the “conscience voice” of the networks for his positive force among youth and young adults.
Johnson has spent the last decade merging the worlds of politics and popular culture, including his work as Senior Advisor for Media and Youth Outreach for People for the American Way, National Director of the Youth & College division of the NAACP, and an appointment by Russell Simmons as the Vice President of the Hip Hop Summit Action Network (HSAN).
The only American reporter to receive an exclusive post-inauguration interview with Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, Africa’s first elected female head of state and Liberia’s first elected female president, Johnson is also one of only two news correspondents to receive an exclusive interview with Sudanese president Omar Al-Bashir, who has not granted interviews with American media outlets for thirteen years.
Johnson won a 2008 NABJ Salute to Excellence Award for BET’s “Life & Death in Darfur, Jeff Johnson Reports” series. A source of information quoted in, Newsweek, Upscale, Ebony and The Boston Globe. He regularly contributes commentary and analysis about issues related to race, politics, popular culture and socio-economics for multiple news broadcasts and publications.
Johnson serves on the boards of the National Urban Fellows, HBCU Hall of Fame Foundation, and the historic Lincoln Theatre in Columbus, OH. He consistently challenges communities to weigh innovative solutions to resolve historic and systemic social imbalances and inequalities. He resides in Baltimore, MD and is the proud father of Madison, Myles, and Malcolm.
Testimonials
Ernie was perfect for our Elders Conference at Little River Casino Resort in Manistee, Michigan. We will definitely be using PDA again!
LITTLE RIVER BAND OF OTTAWA INDIANS
Our speaker was great and the crowd enjoyed her! She was very engaging. Thank you again PDA for the great list of suggestions!
MEDTRONIC
Everything went great! and our speaker was wonderful! Thank you so much for all your help PDA! Looking forward to the next one.
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – KANSAS CITY
I hope that this message finds you well. We had a phenomenal time with Atsuko this past Thursday. We wanted to just let you know how amazing she was. All those that were in attendance thoroughly enjoyed her and had nothing but amazing things to say about her. Thank you for working with us to make sure this happened!
BAYLOR UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
We had a fantastic day with Inge! She was very engaging with all those that attended. Her personal stories about the holocaust were very special and we were moved that she was willing to share them with everyone. Thank you again, PDA for all your hard work and dedication to make this program such a success!
SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Dear PDA Group, Thank you so much for your hard work in scheduling our speaker! From the moment we reached out to you the first time, you worked with us on all details and logistics and kept us up-to-date on the progress. Thank you for all your hard work on making our event such a success! We couldn't have done it without you and your team!
SAP COMPANY
Thank you again, Dr. Kimbrough, for a great presentation, our attendees are still talking about it!
CAMPUS LABS
Dr. Henry Lee's presentation was entertaining, insightful and wise. I, and everyone at Pfizer, especially appreciate the remarks you directed about following your passion and preparing yourself to excel. Thank you, everyone, at PDA for helping to make this happen!
PFIZER
The event was successful! I received many messages expressing how awesome, outstanding and inspiring Ms. Webb-Christburg's speech was."
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL BREAKFAST, BOSTON, MLK SPEAKER
Everything went well. Atsuko was very easy to work with and the students enjoyed her performance! Thank you again for your recommendation and I hope to work with you again in the future!
CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Dr. Novello left this morning after a very successful event on our campus! Thank you PDA Group for your help from the first phone to the last you were with us every step of the way.
GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Jordan Carlos was very very entertaining! A majority of students who answered the event survey indicated they really enjoyed Jordan and definitely will bring him back!
WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
On behalf of myself and my organization Entertainment Unlimited the Campus Programming Board of Ferris State University, we thank you PDA and Dan for a successful event!! Dan was magnificent! Students really enjoyed the presentation. I know I did. Can't wait to bring in more programs with PDA Group.
FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY
It was a great pleasure to work with PDA Group! The communication was always prompt, friendly and helpful. We loved the speakers and events we booked through Mr. Peter Walker (PDA Group).
WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Thank you, Peter, for all your help, you'll be happy to know that the event went incredibly well! Aneesa Ferreira was by far one of the best speakers we've ever had!
FURMAN UNIVERSITY
Topics
- A Stronger America – Making the Grade
Education is a community value. During this presentation, Johnson discusses one essential reality: For America’s schools to perform at their best, it will take the collective effort of the public and private sector. He highlights best practices for the corporate community to become more involved in promoting and advancing education–both locally and nationally–without playing education politics. - We Are Not All the Same: The Complexity of Branding to Communities of Color
Provide corporations with an overview of the nuances of the black community and the strategies for reaching the diverse demographics within the community. Additionally corporations will be given tools for developing multiply messages that ensure reach to the numerous black silos and increase market share. - Beyond Diversity: Moving Your Company Beyond Affirmative Action
Most diversity initiatives are about ensuring a rainbow coalition staff with a mandate of sensitivity. Smart companies not only recognize the value of a diverse team, but have mastered ways to value difference and use member strengths to create community amongst staff that encourages maximum productivity. This presentation will provide corporate leaders with strategies to move beyond diversity and building strong staff communities. - Unclaimed Legacy: Who Will Lead the Next Social Movement?
Johnson discusses the importance of finding a new leader to reclaim the mantle of luminaries like Martin Luther King, Jr. He encourages audiences to help their communities and each other by continuing the legacy of great social leaders and rising up to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
Videos
Jeff Johnson: How to Act
Jeff Johnson
News
Testimonials
Jeff was outstanding and very well received. The crowd loved him. His presentation was phenomenal. In my 12 years of doing the MLK Event I have never encountered a more friendly and down-to-earth person.
Tri-C
Last night went great. It was very interactive. All I heard was positive feedback and comments. [The students] were moved by his speaking.
UNC-Charlotte
He was amazing! He was phenomenal! He was direct, bold, and encouraging, and somehow, inspiration fell in there. Out of all the speakers that I have heard at this institution and on the circuit, he is by far the most meaningful and impactful.
University of Arkansas Pine Bluff
Jeff Johnson was great! Thank you Peter Walker for all your hard work.
Rhode Island College
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