We had the good fortune of connecting with Doris Johnson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Doris, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I pursued, and will continue to pursue, an artistic creative career because I find that these are my passion projects and serve as my biggest form of decompression.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart from others would probably be answered best by someone who is standing on the outside of my life and looking in. I would say that I wear many hats. I was told on several occasions that I’m a ‘Jill of all trades and a master of none.’ While some may deem this phrase as a back handed compliment, I see it as recognition and encouragement. My perception is that the person that I am is overwhelmed with talent and needs to focus on one, but I can’t because of them require ongoing attention. A jack of all trades has the ability to change his hat any time and any day because their wardrobe of talent is just that broad. I am most proud that I was able to get my Masters Degree even after doctors suggested that the work was too overwhelming for the epilepsy that I have. I did not let it stop me. Medication and prayer got me through. I am proud of being able to have become whole (I think) after years of brokenness. And I’m most excited about continuing to be able to do that. I am here today because of being a victim of violence. I lived in my head for several years. Surviving was not easy, and the healing will never end for me as long as I am under the threat of having a seizure, but I still reach. I still plan. I still do. Because of the epilepsy, I recently wrote a children’s book about epilepsy which will be available this fall. My advice to anyone in an abusive relationship is walk away using baby steps if you must. Sometimes, you have to wiggle your head out of the lion’s mouth. People will help in your moments of effort and exit. I look to continue to build my business to assist within the next year. I have a start-up organization designed to provide material assistance in transition. Had it not been for my sister, Doris Cheatam, I would have had nothing to wear leaving the hospital during my last crisis. I have been able to assist in providing a Christmas for a family in a homeless shelter with covid. I have work to do.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Best time ever! Detroit is a huge tourist attraction! We would visit both the Second Baptist Church and the First Congregational Church because they are rich in the history of the Underground Railroad. We love Sips and haven’t been in a while, so we would definitely go there. Open Mike comedy shows hosted by Mike Epps. The River Walk. The Motor City Casino, Motown museum, The Fox Theatre. Belle. Kensington park for picnic, Hart Plaza. They Say. The Shake Shack. Sweetwater Tavern. Motor City Soul Food. Southern Fire. Uptown Barbeque. Detroit Cycle Boat.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Originally, I started designing skirts because I didn’t want to look like anyone else. My style of dress had grown beyond the clearance rack at boutiques. In hindsight, my kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Crosby challenged my classmates, and I to draw a picture of her. I, being the little creative that I was, drew her naked. My mom asked why I did such a thing, and I told her that I didn’t know how to put clothes on my teacher. That may have been the true birth of it all. Thanks mom! That incident could have easily caused a negative trigger in my desire to sew. As an advocate, I have had to speak in front of groups (some in great proportion). My fear of public speaking seems to be undying. The thing that gets me through is recalling being a student in elementary school often asked to read to the other children, and host events. Although, an elementary school auditorium is nothing more than the size of a classroom, I felt the room swallowed me whole. My mother would always have me to practice what I would say in the mirror, and she would be in attendance every time. My brother, Julius inflated my desire to journal at the age of nine. Over 40 years later, I am still doing it. Writing is my form of escape. I can be who I want to be, do what I want to do, and be exactly the opposite of who I really am. That’s decompression at its best! There are many people and projects that encouraged me to keep going when I would run out of steam. The owners of the network that I work with. in terms of my radio show, (Everything Doris) express appreciation for my work just when I begin to feel like it’s all for nothing. I’m over two years in, and I’m sticking and staying. I appreciate the life they breathe into my career. Thank you to Gynesis Radio. My best friend Tamika supports me in all of my projects and efforts. She has been the co-host of my podcast (that has become ours) (Did You See What I Saw?) for over two years, and she never let me give up. My friend Pleshette has been a huge and long contributor to my life. More than anything, she represented me at times when I didn’t have the ability to speak for myself after bouts of episodes (seizures). This does not suffocate the acts of support from my children and family that fed me when I couldn’t feed myself, and picked up the pieces of my life when it was left scrambled by tragedy. Thank you, Anthony Morgan for such great photographs, Robert Gordon for helping me with my Children’s Book and upcoming animations!! Thank you, Kalyn Risker of (SAFE), Tamiko Lowry, and Jenvon Cherry for giving me a platform.

Website: https://www.everythingdoris.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everythingd0ris/

Twitter: https:// Twitter.com/everythingd0ris

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everythingdoris/

Youtube: ttps://www.youtube.com/@dorisjohnson

Other: TikTok.com/everythingd0ris

In Wounds To Wisdom, Doris AC Johnson Encourages You To Fight For Your Life

Show Replay


https://www.amazon.com/author/johnsondorisac
https://www.indieartmag.com/
https://issuu.com/hiphopstardom101mag/docs/stardom101_magazine_oct_2022_v2_final_thedeavine1_/24

Image Credits
Danai Alyse (photos, hair and make up)
Robert Gordon (book cover)

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