From growing up in poor black communities to teaching at preeminent universities, race is deeply embedded in my lived experiences, my research, my artistry, my sense of self and my commitment to community empowerment. I find peace and fulfillment in knowing that the deep wounds, heartbreak and trauma caused by ugliness of racism fuels my work with RPCP on anti-racism, social justice and peacebuilding. Through RPCP, I have been able to train diverse peoples from all around the world in anti-racism, poverty, trauma, and paths toward justice. The transformations are extraordinary. With every RPCP webinar, talk, training session, and outreach event, we are helping to strengthen communities, heal historical harms, and empower those who have been disenfranchised. I am very grateful, excited and humbled to be a part of this effort.
River Phoenix Center for Peacebuilding by #DoctorMicahJohnson
Published by Dr. Micah E. Johnson
Dr. Micah E. Johnson is a sociologist trained in criminology and substance misuse epidemiology. He serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mental Health Law and Policy at the University of South Florida. Dr. Johnson’s research centers around childhood trauma, behavioral health, and juvenile justice. His research is funded by the National Institutes of Health and has been cited by the New York Times, Senator Bernie Sanders and others. He has been an advocate for social justice for the past 14 years. Dr. Johnson trains, speaks, and teaches internationally on topics related to trauma, poverty, antiracism, and sustainable peace. He serves in the state and federal court system as an expert witness and facilitator where he leverages the science of trauma, disadvantage and substance misuse to empower the justice system to make more informed decisions. His interest in these areas are fueled by his childhood experiences. Dr. Johnson recently published a children’s book entitled “Never Had a Friend.” It describes his experiences with living in homeless shelters as a child. The book debuted at #1 New Release on Amazon in the Poverty category. Dr. Johnson also leverages his artistry, as a poet, monologist, and speaker, to share his peacebuilding efforts with a broader audience. For information on his research, talks or forensic services, contact DoctorMicahJohnson@gmail.com or www.DoctorMicahJohnson.com. Micah is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mental Health Law and Policy at the University of South Florida and author of the children’s book entitled “Never Had a Friend that debuted #1 New Release on Amazon in the Poverty category. He fuses art and science to promote social justice and sustainable peace. View all posts by Dr. Micah E. Johnson