10 Things to Know About Jeff Johnson
Learn more about the former BET host's inspiring career.
1 / 11
World-Class Host - Learn more about Jeff Johnson, the Producer, Activist, and multi-hyphenated powerhouse bringing BET's Mancave to the airwaves.(Photo: Bennett Raglin/BET/Getty Images for BET)
2 / 11
College Days - Before becoming the award-winning journalist, communications specialist and thought leader that he is today, Johnson was a "pissed off student" at the predominantly white University of Toledo. The young student, who had received a full-ride scholarship for track, was encouraged by an older peer to join the Black Student Union. As a member, Johnson became more involved on campus and honed his leadership skills.(Photo: BET)
3 / 11
Young and Active - Eager to continue strengthening his political activism background, Johnson later became the National Youth Council Coordinator for the NAACP in Baltimore, Maryland. "That really was the launch for me," Johnson told BET.com. "I was able to learn an unbelievable amount of information."(Photo: BET)
4 / 11
Joining BET - Johnson's position at the NAACP led to the expanding of his professional network. He met a number of influential figures, including BET executive Stephen Hill, whom Johnson credits for motivating him to join the network. (Photo: Johnny Nunez/WireImage)
5 / 11
"Real Journalism Work" - At first, Johnson had no desire to be on television. "I wanted to do hardcore serious activism and TV for me just wasn't serious," said Johnson. However, he soon discovered that his position as a sociopolitical commentator on BET's hit series Rap City would lead to "real journalism work." During his tenure at BET, Johnson not only hosted two shows, but he also traveled throughout the world, interviewed foreign heads of state and "really learned journalism," he told BET.com.(Photo: Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)
ADVERTISEMENT