As Generation Z (Gen Z) and Millennials take the lead on systemic racism, they are challenging society to make massive reforms to all branches of government. The digital age has played a major role in the protest movement by exposing unjust encounters between police and African Americans. The overwhelming support for the Black community to fight injustice has also inspired a renewed emphasis to the growth of Black businesses. As a leader and advocate for entrepreneurial success, Todd “TJ” Johnson expresses that he hopes “this is the last generation to tolerate systemic racism in our country.” He also acknowledges that we live in a time where we have more opportunity than ever to create insane amounts of success and financial security, regardless of our skin color, gender or sexual orientation, and wants to show more people how to do so.
Johnson applauds and supports those leading the fight for social justice. “The message of social reform, and of equal treatment is a clear goal of everyone. It’s a fight worth fighting but it’s not our only fight… solving the problem of injustice doesn’t automatically fix the economic gap between black people and other races.”
Johnson’s message is about “coming up”, “bossing up” and that starts with each one individually. “It means first getting really good at something valuable in the marketplace. We can leverage this in corporate america or as entrepreneurs creating and doing our own thing to serve customers. This gives us financial stability, influence, the tools and power we need to bridge the gap. Creating this level of productivity creates more successful entrepreneurs and business leaders and will help bridge the economic and power gap for black people in this country.”
To accomplish this, Johnson says our communities need to:
Become highly competitive in academia, in corporate America, as entrepreneurs, as investors and in technology innovation.
Adopt a mindset that we still have to be twice as good. While most would say this is unfair or unrealistic, the adoption of this mindset will make us hyper competitive and help us achieve a culture of excellence.
Become hyper participants in the political process. We must increase voter participation on a Federal, State and local level. This is the number 1 thing we can do to make our voice more powerful than what it already is.
Elevate the conversation. Get louder about economic development, academic excellence, eliminating crime, and strengthening our families. This conversation should be as loud, if not louder, as our voices for social injustices.
In the midst of a post-George Floyd era, Johnson has made it his mission to motivate and inspire all those who can relate to him and his journey to create legacy, security and lifestyle through business ownership.
Johnson is one to relate to his message of “bossing up”. He has successfully started and operated a number of businesses in various sectors such as brick & mortar, e-commerce, commercial construction, publishing and real estate, with active real estate projects underway. He recently sold his interest in his technology services business, Intact Technology, which he founded over 20 years ago. This made way for him to focus more on his current multi-million dollar digital marketing & publishing business.
Johnson continues to serve as an exemplary mentor for future business leaders to make more money and maximize their earning potential by building e-commerce businesses.
Learn more about TJ here.
