In addition to his primary role at the University of Memphis, Dr. Johnson is a Visiting Scholar at Memphis Theological Seminary. He also collaborates with Christian Theological Seminary as an affiliate faculty member, contributing to a rich academic dialogue across institutions. Notably, he is an Andrew Mellon Just Transformation Satellite Partner with the Center for Black Digital Research at Penn State University, further highlighting his dedication to exploring and addressing issues of race and communication in the digital age. He is also the editor of the Journal of Communication and Religion.
Dr. Johnson's research delves deeply into the intersection of rhetoric, race, and religion, providing invaluable insights into how these elements influence public discourse and societal change. He teaches diverse courses that include African American public address, political and religious communication, prophetic rhetoric, and the dynamics of social movements, equipping his students with critical knowledge and skills to navigate these important themes. Through his multifaceted roles, Dr. Johnson continues to make significant contributions to scholarship and community engagement.
Dr. Johnson is a distinguished author whose work has significantly contributed to understanding African American prophetic traditions and contemporary social movements. His critically acclaimed book, The Forgotten Prophet: Bishop HenryMcNeal Turner and the African American Prophetic Tradition (2012), delves into Bishop Turner's life and influence, shedding light on his enduring legacy in the context of African American history. Alongside co-author Amanda Nell Edgar, Dr. Johnson penned The Struggle Over Black Lives Matter and All Lives Matter (2018), a thought-provoking exploration that garnered national recognition and awards. It highlights the complexities of the ongoing discourse surrounding racial justice and social equity.
In 2020, he released No Future in this Country: The Prophetic Pessimism of Bishop HenryMcNeal Turner, a scholarly work that received accolades for its profound analysis, winning both the Religious Communication Association and the African American Communication and Culture Division’s prestigious top book award in 2021.
As an editor, Dr. Johnson has skillfully compiled The Speeches of Bishop Henry McNeal Turner: The Press, The Platform and The Pulpit (2023), which offers an invaluable collection of Turner's powerful oratory, and Preaching in a Pandemic: The Rhetoric of the Black Church, Vols. 1-2 (2023), co-edited with Kimberly P. Johnson and Wallis Baxter III, which examines the sermons from Black preachers during the height of the COVID-19 epidemic.
His latest endeavor, The Summer of 2020: George Floyd and the Resurgence of the BlackLives Matter Movement, co-authored with Amanda Nell Edgar, captures the pivotal moments of 2020 and their impact on the Black Lives Matter movement, providing insightful analysis of a transformative period in American society.
Dr. Johnson is widely recognized for his groundbreaking research on Bishop Turner, yet his academic pursuits extend far beyond this notable figure. His diverse research agenda encompasses a wide array of fascinating topics. Currently, he is engaged in several ongoing projects that delve into the intricate relationship between rhetoric and preaching, examining how these disciplines intersect with theology, religion, and the political landscape. He also investigates the powerful religious oratory associated with the Colored Conventions and explores contemporary movements such as Black Lives Matter. His scholarly contributions have not gone unnoticed; he has received prestigious top-paper awards at national, regional, and state academic conferences. Beyond academia, he is a highly sought-after preacher, lecturer, social justice advocate, and workshop facilitator known for his passionate engagement and impactful communication.
Prentice A. Meador (1938-2008). "War-Time Speeches of Cordell Hull, Secretary of State: Collected and Edited with Introduction and Notes." The University of Illinois (Ph.D., 1964)
Raymond (Ray) E. Nadeau (?-2001). The Index Rhectoricus of Thomas Farnaby. The University of Michigan (Ph.D., 1950)
James H. McBurney (1905-1986). The Place of the Enthymeme in Rhetorical Theory University of Michigan (Ph.D. 1935)
