Meet Kenya Johnson | Executive Director Family/DV & Wrongful Conviction Advocate

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

Hi Kenya, putting aside the decision to work for yourself, what other decisions were critical to your success?
Understanding and appreciating the value of respecting others is key to being a successful human being and leader. Success tends to come from your own experiences in life, including going through stresses and difficulties.

In 2009, I was shot 5 times in a Domestic Violence shooting that left me fighting for my life. I had to learn how to walk, talk, and live in again in a “new world”. I hit rock bottom and completely gave up on myself and my dreams. After years of struggling, I came to the realization that my lesson was underneath a surface that could only be viewed laying on my back.

I decided to empower myself and I knew in that moment that my success was rooted in my empowerment, a power that no one could take from me.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am the Director of Nakia House of Angels a 501c3 company in the East Point area. We started the organization in 2004 in memory of my 28 year old cousin that lost her cancer battle.after a 1 year fight. Over the years we provided medical screenings , low income assistance, and educational opportunities for persons in need.

In 2020, we created a Unisex Beauty Pageant for DV survivors. Our first pageant was scheduled 10/10/20 but Covid detailed our pageant. There is nothing out here or programs to help survivors with scars (internal/external) see themselves as beautiful. That is what we are wanting to do in Atlanta and around the country.

We have two new programs that are very important to us and the community.

One being a legal research program for persons wrongfully convicted in the federal prison system.

The second one is NO PAIN-NO GAIN (Parental/Grandparent Alienation Is Never Ok). Our goal is to help eliminate the exploitation and abuse targeted parents face in the family court setting.

My personal journey as a domestic violence survivor led me to my advocacy in the DV arena and that open the doors to really looking at the criminal justice reform area.

I was being reflective one day and was thinking about the one thing that connected us all and that was Pain. No matter the color of your skin or your religious background. Pain will unite us!!!!

My personal pain helped me find purpose. I was shot five times and lived through 28 surgeries. Nothing was easy for me! Emotionally, physically, or professionally! I had to fight to become whole for myself and for others because I want to be a voice for others in the legal and DV industry.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I created a word: zenspire and for me and my close friends nature is our peace/inspiration. I would explore the nature preserves around the city: Cascade Springs Nature Preserve is beautiful. I am very simplistic with my food but I Love Debbie’s Soul Food in East Point and Mr. Everything.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My mother Debra Johnson moved her three girls from Chicago on a bus with 30 dollars. She put herself through nursing school and created a homecare agency that has helped her children, their children, and their children. She has carried us on her shoulders through life and deserve all the credit

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

Other: https://www.facebook.com/domesticviolencesurvivorpageants/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/2221727264769432/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/202270275177162/ https://www.facebook.com/freelarrygoochjr/