Kwame Johnson: Giving a Hand Up To Kids in Need

40 Under 40 Inspiring Innovators Inspiration Award Winner

Many say children are our future, and Kwame Johnson couldn’t agree more. The author and socialpreneur has worked his entire life to remove barriers and empower Atlanta’s youth to be their best. At 37, Johnson is the youngest director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta in its history and has big plans to provide even more opportunities to the area’s kids through technological innovations and real connections.

Q: Why have you dedicated your life to Big Brothers Big Sisters?

Kwame Johnson: I found my passion while incarcerated during my senior year of high school. During this challenging time, I decided to change my life and made history by becoming the first youth ever to take his SATs in jail. I was accepted into Hampton University and decided to leave college at 19 to become a social entrepreneur. Since then I have dedicated my life to service and helping our youth reach their full potential.

Q: What advice would you give to women and men in their 20s and 30s?

Kwame Johnson: Relationships are everything. I learned early in my career that relationships change people not programs. Programs have start and end dates. Relationships are always growing and last forever.

Q: How can readers give back to Big Brothers Big Sisters?

Kwame Johnson: We have over 500 kids waiting for mentors (Bigs). Visit our website to learn more about becoming a “Defender of Potential” or make a donation that enables us to serve more young people each day.

www.bbbsatl.org, www.instagram.com/kwamejohnsonsr

Meet the rest of 2022’s 40 Under 40 Inspiring Innovators here.