[397] EX-GANG MEMBER SLATED TO SPEAK AT MTSU AWARDS BANQUET

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 31, 2009
EDITORIAL CONTACT: Valerie Avent, 615-898-2718

EX-GANG MEMBER SLATED TO SPEAK AT MTSU AWARDS BANQUET
Felon-Turned-Reformer Keynote Speaker at Intercultural and Diversity Awards Gala

(MURFREESBORO) - Terrell “T.J.” Johnson, president and chief executive officer of the Wake Up Youth Foundation, will be the keynote speaker at MTSU’s 18th annual Intercultural and Diversity Affairs Awards Banquet at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8, in the Tennessee Room of the James Union Building.
Johnson, a former gang member and drug dealer, is the first former felon to be hired by the Memphis Police Department. After being appointed by Mayor Willie Herenton as Prevention and Intervention Coordinator for the city’s Juvenile Justice Abatement Project, Johnson launched an anti-violence initiative in the city school system.
In 2005, Johnson became an official member of the Tennessee General Assembly Black Caucus Criminal Justice Panel. His awards and honors include the Youth Service Award from the Rainbow PUSH Coalition. Johnson also serves as pastor of Temple of Faith Deliverance Full Gospel Church in Bolivar and pastor of Wake Up Ministries in Memphis.
The event is co-sponsored by the Office of Intercultural and Diversity Affairs and the African-American Students Association. Its purpose is to recognize students, administrators and educators who have supported diversity initiatives.
Awards will be presented for Professor, Coach, Administrator, Adviser, Philanthropy, Male Athlete, Female Athlete, Male Student, Female Student, Student Organization, International Organization and Fraternities and Sororities of the Year, as well as Most Outstanding New Student Organization.
Tickets are $11 for students and $20 for adults. For more information, contact Valerie Avent at 615-898-2718 or vavent@mtsu.edu.


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ATTENTION, MEDIA: For a jpeg photo of Terrell “T.J.” Johnson, contact Valerie Avent at 615-898-2718 or vavent@mtsu.edu.