TAMPA, Fla. — A local professor is using his life story to encourage kids across Tampa and the world.
“It’s a remarkable moment in time for me,” said Dr. Micah Johnson.
Johnson grew up in Tampa, but he didn’t have a stable childhood. He was homeless.
He said his family moved from shelter to shelter, making it difficult for him to feel secure and build friendships. He never gave up, even with the odds stacked against him. He said the friends he met helped him and encouraged him. That's what his book “Never Had a Friend” is about.
“It’s about real-life adversity and the power for folks to be kind and the power for people to be resilient when they have that support, “ said Johnson.
Johnson went on to college, got a master's degree and his PhD. Now he’s a USF professor and an author.
He’s hoping Black and brown boys and girls read his story, see themselves, and feel encouraged to dream and achieve their dreams.
“I want to be part of giving them the confidence they need,” he said. “It gives me a lot of joy.”
He released “Never Had a Friend” in late December and it’s already #1 on Amazon.
He’s also working on a second children’s book about law enforcement and the Black community.
If you would like to buy the book click here.
