The Man from Macedonia

Aaron Johnson Photo Courtesy of Kristi Jones

The Man from Macedonia made a visit to Nashville this week. Rev. Aaron Johnson refers to himself as the Man from Macedonia because the message of hope he delivered to North Carolina death-row inmates. Johnson spoke to a group of LIFE (Lipscomb Initiative for Education) students on Wednesday March 10th at the Tennessee Prison for Women (TPFW). LIFE gives "on campus students" the opportunity to study and engage with inmates at the TPFW. Johnson discussed his work with death-row inmates and the conditions of the prison. Johnson became the first African American to serve as secretary of corrections after North Carolina Governor, James Martin, requested his assistance in 1985.

On Thursday March 11, Johnson delivered a riveting speech to Lipscomb faculty, staff, and students about the brutality he endured while fighting for human and civil rights. Johnson was literally brought to tears when he was asked to speak about being slapped in the face simply for standing beside a white lady in a North Carolina grocery store. After a couple of minutes of silence, Johnson regrouped and recounted his experiences with racism and how he dealt with senseless acts of hate. He also discussed his experiences of being a pupil of Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) in seminary school in North Carolina.

Aaron Johnson, his wife Mattie Johnson and author Deb Cleveland Photo Courtesy of Kristi Jones

Johnson concluded his speech encouraging everyone to make a positive difference in the communities in which they live, to meet new people from other cultures, and to continue to uphold MLK’s dream by becoming agents of change. Aaron’s story is eloquently told and written by Deb Cleveland. Both Cleveland and Johnson have collaborated to produce an excellent body of work that describes Johnson’s faith in God and service to others.

For more info: 

Aaron Johnson

http://www.manfrommacedonia.org/about-the-authors.html

Deb Cleveland

http://www.debcleveland.com/id7.html

Book Synopsis "Man From Macedonia"

http://www.manfrommacedonia.org/uploads/3/3/4/6/3346599/mfmflyer.pdf

Aaron Johnson speaking to students Photo Courtesy of Kristi Jones