A Light Thing
Isa 49:6

6 And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.
KJV

Whenever we limit God to our own provincial location based upon race, ethnicity, or socioeconomics, we’ll quickly discover that His plans are always surpassingly greater than our own preconceived notions. Consider the prophet Isaiah in describing his mission, even signifying prophetically the mission of Christ. God sees ministry directed only towards the tribes of Jacob and Israel as a light thing in comparison to the innumerable persons that would eventually become fully and intimately acquainted with the good news of the gospel. And this is God’s usual pattern when he calls his people to fulfill particular purposes. Joseph not only served his own people but the Egyptians and persons from surrounding nations; Paul not only preached to the Jews of Damascus and at Jerusalem but would go on throughout the coasts of Judaea and then to the Gentiles. Bearing prophetic witness which transcends race, culture and creed (even as Christ) is the intrinsic calling of every Christian regardless of our vocation:

[For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.] KJV Romans 8:29

Brian Johnson, Ph.D.

“I do not say you should not use them, should not posses them, should not crave them, but do not make the mistake of feeling that titles are going to help you, unless you have got strength aside from the title. No amount of titles will put brains into a person’s head if the brains are not there before.” – Booker T. Washington, “A Sunday Evening Talk,” January 10, 1909

Presidential Commentary by Dr. Brian Johnson 

Hear this again and again: Positional and titular authority is the lowest form of authority. If a man or woman cannot nor does not command the respect of his supervisors, peers, colleagues and subordinates independent of a position or title, this man or woman is no greater than the man or woman who has no such position and title. Positions change, and the only permanence one can possess is that found in one’s own person in back of the position. This is why the founding principal and president of Tuskegee University constantly impressed upon his students the need to constantly improve their own persons. Note the following: It is but half the task to secure the title or position. The most significant half is what one does with the title or position. (One must not only plan how to get the position or title, but what to do with the position and title when one gets it.) And the attention paid to one’s own person helps towards this end. Aside from acquiring credentials and competence, the comprehensive development of one’s person is a third facet that can never be taken from the person in back of a position. More importantly, these facets are easily transferable from position to position, unit to unit or organization-to-organization, which is why the singular, solitary focus upon a position and title (as opposed to the development of one’s own person) is unwise. For the man or woman who has “strength aside from the title” and who has “brains” in their “heads” will always possess these attributes without regards to a position or a title. (And they will always be desired and in demand.) And the founding principal and president of Tuskegee University who we celebrate in the centennial year since his passing (1915-2015) was not only such a man, but he also offered these wise “words” and set forth the accompanying “works” in his 34-year long presidency at the helm of Tuskegee (Institute) University (1881-1915).

“We can fill your heads with knowledge, and we can train your hands to work with skill, but unless all this training of head and hand is based upon high, upright character, upon a true heart, it will amount to nothing. You will be no better off than the most ignorant.” – Booker T. Washington, A Sunday Evening Talk

Presidential Commentary by Dr. Brian Johnson

In this writer’s opinion, “integrity” is the greatest 9-letter word, “knowledge” is the second greatest, and “ignorance” is-by far-the worst and most dangerous. And the founding principal and president of Tuskegee (Institute) University, Booker T. Washington, gives on this Sunday evening talk his oft-repeated conception of “heart-head-hands” to help his students avoid the dread of becoming “no better off than the most ignorant.” One can easily seek the help of professors to develop one’s “head”. (These men and women have as their primary purpose to fill the “heads” of students with “knowledge”.) Likewise, professors are able to help make a student’s “hands”-or their work-“skill”[ful]. (Through repeated instruction and correction a student will either become skillful at their work or they will receive failing grades.) Yet, the matter of the “heart,” Mr. Washington suggests, is one matter where students must begin and complete this work largely alone. (Let no man or woman ever presume to become an expert on the subject of another’s heart.) Of all subject matters, it is the one that is deeply personal and unique to the individual. Whereas both the competencies of the “head” and the credentials of the “hands” lie in full view, the “heart” is always hidden from view. Yet, without it, all else “will amount to nothing.” For Mr. Washington’s complete configuration of Heart-Head-Hands in education is akin to the strength necessary to shoot arrows a great distance even as Tuskegee University has shot forth the sons and daughters of Booker into rewarding and meaningful careers of service for over 133 years. The heart is the unseen and invisible strength that determines how far one can bend the bow to make the arrow go.

“Among the most trying class of people with whom I come in contact are the persons who have been educated in books to the extent that they are able, upon every occasion, to quote a phrase or a sentiment from Shakespeare, Milton, Cicero, or some other great writer. Every time any problem arises they are on the spot with a phrase or a quotation. No problem is so difficult that they are not able, with a definition or abstraction of some kind, to solve it. I like phrases, and I frequently find them useful and convenient in conversation, but I have not found in them a solution for many of the actual problems of life.” – Booker T. Washington, My Larger Education (1911)

Presidential Commentary by Dr. Brian Johnson 

We often deceive ourselves by assuming that a word fitly spoken, an opinion boldly proffered, an argument well-written or a critique loosely given is tantamount to leadership–particularly with respect to solving “the actual problems of life.” And this is the idea that Booker T. Washington explained in his observations of men and women who offer words without any accompanying works. Thomas Edison suggested that “A vision without execution is a hallucination.” To be clear, “vision”-the single greatest 6-letter word- requires words for articulating, reasoning, inspiring and motivating. Yet, this is only one half of the deal in leadership. The other half is transforming those words into works. Such works, unlike words, are never philosophical or theoretical “abstraction[s]”. These works are “solution[s] for many of the actual problems” that visionary words propose to solve. Works are the evidentiary and documentable deeds done that substantiate the words of visionary leadership. Works are what can be touched, pointed to and-most importantly-verified, substantiated and authenticated precisely like the presence of Tuskegee (Institute) University that still stands a full century since Mr. Washington’s death (1915-2015). Mr. Washington’s late 19th and early 20th century demonstration of visionary leadership is the complete expression of a leader’s love for “words” that he found “useful and convenient in conversation,” as well as his “work” achieved and completed at Tuskegee. And witnessing such visionary leadership is akin to persons upon a ship viewing an iceberg in the middle of a frigid ocean. The “words” are what sit atop the iceberg’s tip until the “works” of the impressive mass that lies beneath comes slowly into view.

All Men Have Not Faith

2 Thess 3:2

And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.

KJV

There’s really no way to get around what the apostle suggests in this verse: All men have not faith. While it would be grand indeed if every exhortation to “believe God” were returned with “I believe,” were the typical exchange between men and women (both believing and unbelieving) that we encounter on a daily basis, this is usually not the case. For faith requires submission, patience, humility, perseverance and complete adherence to God’s way of doing things in spite of its perceived absurdity. Sadly enough, most men believe in the exact opposite. Instead of submission, they believe in force. In place of patience, they believe in haste. In lieu of humility, self-assertion and pride, and for perseverance, they believe in taking the path of least resistance. And above all things, for (perceived) expediency’s sake, most will not follow God’s way of doing things with promises of succeeding results because of fear of ostracism, men, and a variety of other factors. This is why such men are described as unreasonable. For to place one’s faith in any other course of action than that which proceeds from God’s word and Himself is not only unreasonable but foolish:

[The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God.] Psalm 14:1

Brian Johnson, Ph.D.

“My dear Mr. President [Theodore Roosevelt]: If you have in mind the sending in of a special message bearing upon the lynching of Italians in Mississippi, I am wondering if you could not think it proper to enlarge a little on the general subject of lynching; I think it would do good. I think you could with perfect safety, give the Southern States praise, especially the Governors and the daily press, for assisting in reducing the number of lynchings. The subject is a very important and far reaching one and keeps many of our people constantly stirred up […].” – Booker T. Washington, “January 5, 1902”

Presidential Commentary by Dr. Brian Johnson 

Leo Tolstoy offers the following expression concerning men and women who live according to their conscience, as opposed to the dictates of popular sentiment: “He who lives not for the sake of his conscience, but for the sake of others’ praise, lives badly.” Although Booker T. Washington, founding principal and president of Tuskegee (Institute) University, might have expressed his views more diplomatically than most men and women of his era who were not situated at the helm of a major institution, he possessed his own methods to express his views nevertheless. And the communication to U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt suggests a great deal about how this institutional president operated in matters of national importance. First, he need not make a public announcement of his views. Booker T. Washington had direct access to the President of the United States. An advisor to President Roosevelt on a number of political matters, his letters reveal an ongoing stream of communication that suggests that his advice and opinion mattered to the President and would be weighed carefully. Second, he used the opportunity of President Roosevelt’s apparent willingness to discuss “the lynchings of Italians in Mississippi” to suggest that he broaden his discussion to encompass to one of his primary constituencies and concerns during the period-the lynching of African Americans. Finally, he alluded to the importance of the President addressing the subject: It was for the benefit of all Americans. He fittingly ascribed his concern to the well being of the country similar to Lyman Beecher Stowe’s sentiment when he penned the following: “Here in America, we are all, in the end, going up or down together.” Here again, the man Booker T. Washington might not have done what many desired him to do and in the precise manner they would have liked for him to do but he did do what he thought was right to do.

Ye Have Not Passed This Way Heretofore

Joshua 3:3-4
3 And they commanded the people, saying, When ye see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then ye shall remove from your place, and go after it.
4 Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure: come not near unto it, that ye may know the way by which ye must go: for ye have not passed this way heretofore.
KJV

Herein lies a most excellent piece of wisdom for we who would learn to follow God. As Joshua prepared to lead the people of Israel into the land of promise, he instructs them to remain behind the ark of the covenant; this way they will be able to follow the direction it leads, for they have never passed this way before. Similarly, it is in our best intrest to remain well behind God’s leadership when we are entering into phases of our life that we are presently unfamiliar with. To follow God from behind is far better than attempting to be in front of him.

[For the Lord will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; He will lead in paths that they have not know. He will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight.]
KJV Isaiah 42:16

Brian Johnson, Ph.D.

https://www.bizjournals.com/portland/news/2022/02/17/celebrating-black-leadership-in-portland.html?ana=emailafriend&fbclid=IwAR2GWsRezK4gvpsFsUQQuvU159a1qDqBqRGHG6rM6ogmVfLtRP5KR30fbI0

I have often said to you that one of the best things that education can do for an individual is to teach that individual to get hold of what he wants, rather than to teach him how to commit to memory a number of facts in history or a number of names in geography. I wish you to feel that we can give you here orderliness of mind-I mean a trained mind-that will enable you to find dates in history or to put your finger on names in geography when you want them. I wish to give you an education that will enable you to construct rules in grammar and arithmetic for your-selves. That is the highest kind of training. But, after all, this kind of thing is not the end of education. What, then, do we mean by education? I would say that education is meant to give us an idea of truth. Whatever we get out of text books, whatever we get out of industry, whatever we get here and there from any sources, if we do not get the idea of truth at the end, we do not get education. I do not care how much you get out of history, or geography, or algebra, or literature, I do not care how much you have got out of all your text books:-unless you have got truth, you have failed in your purpose to be educated. Unless you get the idea of truth so pure that you cannot be false in anything, your education is a failure.” – Booker T. Washington, “A Sunday Evening Talk”

Presidential Commentary by Dr. Brian Johnson

Of the many truths the founding principal and president of Tuskegee (Institute) University proffered in his many speeches, writings and correspondence, the following is perhaps the single most profound and difficult one to grasp: “Unless you get the idea of truth so pure that you cannot be false in anything, your education is a failure.” Now it may appear to the naysayer that Mr. Washington makes a rather prideful or arrogant assertion but C.S. Lewis’s idea that “perfect humility dispenses with modesty” rejects such an accusation. (“Humility” is the greatest 8-letter word and “Fearless” is the second greatest 8-letter word in succession with good reason.) To be clear, there is no man or woman who will have not had error or failure at some point in their vocational path or journey. Yet, Mr. Washington’s conception of “education” encompasses those who have erred and failed because a “truth so pure that you cannot be false in anything” permits a single man or woman to ascertain valuable and truthful lessons whether through triumph or tragedy. For this man or woman-the truly educated man or woman-never experiences “falsity [or failure] in anything” because he or she lives, learns and then leads others to wrest the valuable water of “knowledge”-the second greatest 9-letter word-from any dampening circumstance. Moreover, these men and women proceed undauntedly, unflinchingly and unwaveringly day-to-day, month-to-month and year-to-year to continuous and ongoing “success”-one of the greatest 7-letter words-without ever experiencing real “falsity” or “failure” in the truest sense of the words. For never can a man or woman who possesses and applies the sort of education Mr. Washington established at Tuskegee University can ever rightly be called “false” or a “failure” because a truly educated man or woman ultimately views success and failure rightly according to the greatest 8-letter words: “Humility” and “Fearless,” which again are the greatest 8-letter words in succession.

Wisdom That Is From Above

James 3:17

17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
KJV

Wisdom (true wisdom that is from above) is like dew. It is largely uncontaminated, it falls silently (often unnoticed); it is easily absorbed by the earth and its vegetation; it usually appears in the absence of rain and it is distributed evenly upon parched lands to assist in the production of fruit; it is no respecter of persons or things (for it blankets and falls upon everything and everyone underneath it) and similar to snowflakes, every drop of dew has its own distinctive character that is unchangeable in nature, reeking of sincerity, authenticity and simplicity. This is also true of the wisdom that comes from God through Jesus Christ. Let us be ever so careful to only ascribe the term wisdom to those words that possess these characteristics.

[My doctrine shall drop as the rain,
My speech shall distil as the dew,
As the small rain upon the tender herb,
And as the showers upon the grass. Because I will publish the name of the Lord.] Deuteronomy 32:2-3 KJV

Brian Johnson, Ph.D.

“Some years ago, in an effort to bring our rhetorical and commencement exercises into a little closer touch with real things, we tried the experiment at Tuskegee of having students write papers on some subject of which they had first-hand knowledge. As a matter of fact, I believe that Tuskegee was the first institution that attempted to reform its commencement exercises in this particular direction.” – Booker T. Washington, My Larger Education (1911)

Presidential Commentary by Dr. Brian Johnson

What might now be considered as painstakingly obvious-the idea that an educated man or woman should be well-versed in having “first-hand knowledge”-Tuskegee University was a visionary institution in the education of her students under the leadership of its founding principal and president, Booker T. Washington. For the characteristic of possessing “first-hand knowledge” is the hallmark of the thoroughly educated man or woman based upon the following reasons: First, these young men and women will be not easily deceived and misled as they enter into their chosen field of study. Having already experienced in some measure-whether in matters great or small-the activities that will be required of them, they are knowledgeable and prepared to not only deal abstractly but practically. Second, they learn to discern second-hand knowledge (or worst hearsay) as men and women of intelligence. (Only the unintelligible rely upon knowledge that they have not vetted “first-hand” or experienced.) The mark of intelligence is but an extension of one’s integrity, the greatest 9-letter word, and if a man or woman would rely upon second-hand and/or piecemeal information in the employment of their duties in their chosen field of endeavor, they put their own work and reputation at risk through no other’s fault but their own. Third and last, “first-hand knowledge” separates one from peers and colleagues who have not undertaken the requisite work and suffering (endurance) necessary for gaining this knowledge. (Hear again, if one learns how to suffer and is willing to suffer well, one will learn how to succeed.) These men and women undertook to do what others were unwilling to do, afraid to do or simply too lethargic to do. The founder’s oft-repeated two most important qualities, “faith” and “hard work”, are both necessary but the latter-the second greatest 4-letter word-is what gives men and women the grand opportunity to separate themselves on the field of “first-hand knowledge.” (These men and women work while others talk.) You will not learn what you will not work to learn, and in this the centennial anniversary of Tuskegee University’s Booker T. Washington’s passing (1915-2015), we celebrate both the legacy and the institution of higher learning he “worked” for 34 years (1881-1915) to establish.

Kings and Priests
Rev 1:5-6

5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
KJV

Whether it leads to a position with secular or ecclesiastical influence, as we diligently pursue our vocational callings let’s be ever careful to remember that God’s highest calling involves both. To be sure, God has used His people as instruments of change in both civil and sacred capacities: This is perhaps best demonstrated by Zerubbabel who served as governor and Joshua who served as priest; both of whom worked cooperatively during the restoration of the second temple. Yet and still, when God sent our Lord Jesus Christ, he was not sent solely after the line of Davidic kingship or after the line of Aaronic priesthood, he was sent as a high priest after the order of Melchisedec.

Scripture records of this man that as “king of Salem [he] brought forth bread and wine and he was the priest of the most High God.” Finally this man blessed the patriarch Abram declaring, “Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth.” While very little is known about Melchisedek, we are informed that his positioning as king and priest allowed him to give provision and blessing to someone in need. For it matters very little if one’s singular secular vocation cannot offer a spiritual blessing to those we encounter, and it equally matters very little if one’s singular church vocation cannot offer material and tangible blessing either.

[But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.] KJV 1 Peter 2:9

Brian Johnson, Ph.D.

Time for Episode #36 of Full Court Pressure with Interim Director of Athletics Matt Gregg, as he takes some time to learn about the inside life of Warner Pacific University President, Dr. Brian Johnson! 🎓

https://fb.watch/bbMjVrMe1H/ “Full Court Pressure” with Interim Director of Athletics-Matt Gregg @wpuathletics

thatknightlife⚔ | #goknights

President Johnson shares the Stage with his lovely wife of 22 years, Shemeka, during Warner Pacific Chapel. They shared their journey from Johnson C. Smith University Honors College in 1993 until the Present with their 2 sons Brian Asa and Nathan Qodesh. #wpuknights

Booker T. Washington believed in bootstraps, racial uplift, and the power of helping people help themselves through education. Evangelical higher ed has a lot to learn from him, according to Warner Pacific’s Brian Johnson.

Johnson is one of only three Black presidents at a Council for Christian Colleges & Universities–affiliated school, and he’s on a mission to be fiscally responsible, elevate the ideal of excellence, and insist on opportunities for racial minorities.

Read the full article from our November issue below:

https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2021/november/brian-johnson-warner-pacific-tuskegee-booker-t-washington.html?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=article&fbclid=IwAR0VDcUCdKZFjSwulRz_zaF37mhM91CuwphnrQaeV-yv27CYIqZ2lj22kZk

https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2021/november/brian-johnson-warner-pacific-tuskegee-booker-t-washington.html

Pleased to welcome Judge Xiomara Torres to campus to speak to our students. Her life, career and work has truly moved in both “civic and sacred spaces.” We honor her today for her work in Multnomah County court.

Please view our discussion with Dr. Yancy on the digitized publication of The Yancy Years Wednesday October 13, 2021 8pm EST/5pm PST: http://www.hbcusmarttv.com/watch-live

https://www.hbcunation.org/post/this-week-on-it-seasyson-the-yancy-years?fbclid=IwAR31vu6dQ46XjPouXD01HbR2tWZAxNDnuOszDIgHFLUECO66A7bcVGpLo7Y

Johnson C. Smith University Alumni, Friends, Family, faculty & staff members who served between 1994-2008 and HBCU pundits, researchers and enthusiasts who wish to learn about the intricacies of HBCU leadership, we are so excited to announce that the documentary history chronicling the 14 1/2 year presidency of Dr. Dorothy Cowser Yancy is now DIGITIZED and AVAILABLE for you to read and download for FREE.

THE YANCY YEARS: THE AGE OF INFRASTRUCTURE, TECHNOLOGY AMD RESTORATION (2008) co-authored by Dr. Brian Johnson, Benny Smith, APR, MMC and Dr. Sharon Raynor which documents the successes and achievements during this pivotal moment of the university’s first female president is not only essential reading but a guide—for posterity’s sake—in understanding the importance of HBCU leadership which are not described via social media. For this history predates the world of social media where any all opinions are proffered without respect to validity.

As a documentary history, this book is not anecdotal history but qualitative analysis through interviews and publicly accessible documents written by administrators to provide an inside view into the tenure of, arguably, our alma mater’s most successful president whose vocation was to return and serve her beloved alma mater.

Needless to say, Dr. Yancy is alive, well and prospering but let us all “give honor to where honor is due”. And she enjoys the same level of “quickness of thought” that those who have served with her know so well.

Booker T. Washington, arguably the greatest university president, offered the following “Let examples answer.” In this history, JCSU and HBCU enthusiasts will learn about the following during a 14-year history with supplemental documents in the appendix and much more: https://lnkd.in/dpzGGVNA

“At such a critical time for race relations in Portland and in our country, Sho’s philosophy and activism is timely as well as crucial,” noted Brian L. Johnson, PhD, president of Warner Pacific University. “I have been a fan of his since listening to his Talented 10th album. I was intrigued by an artist with the breadth and depth to wrestle with race, politics, religion, and faith in a musical and deeply meaningful way.”

Iconic Hip-Hop Artist and Activist to Join Warner Pacific University Faculty

Opening Convocation Address: “Seeing within a Seige”

Denver Day 4: Convention 2021 Closes in Contemplation and Celebration

An excerpt from Church of God recap of Convention 2021:

“The new (and eighth) president of Warner Pacific University, Brian Johnson, took to the podium to offer the grand finale message of Convention 2021. Though his disclaimer of not being a pastor by vocation suggested his discourse might feel out of place for such an event, the excellent teaching and dynamic preaching that followed proved otherwise. Referring to multiple stories and scriptures in both the Old and New Testaments, Dr. Brian L. Johnson utilized at least six key terms with alliterations—many pastors only get to three or four! (Christ, Calling, Courage, Character, Credentials, Competence.)

Stemming from Dr. Johnson’s experience in academia as a Christian, the all-too-common notion that scholarly pursuits are unnecessary if divine calling is present was thoroughly repudiated. Anointing is necessary, but Brian Johnson insisted that competence and mastery matters, as well. Noting that you don’t take your pet to a veterinarian who simply feels the calling but never got the degree, he emphasized that Christian higher education still has an important role in our society today—whether or not one’s vocational calling is that of a pastor. After all, “All priests were Levites, but not all Levites were priests,” he noted.

READ THE FULL RECAP HERE:

Watch Video

https://youtu.be/3rgU8ryLZYk

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=OhV2qjpN09g

https://www.warnerpacific.edu/news/wpu-announces-eighth-president/

34th Street Business Improvement District Partnership Board of Directors and Staff Members at Reopening and Renovation of Greeley Square Restroom (Manhattan, NY)

https://www.nationalreview.com/2019/12/do-failing-historically-black-colleges-deserve-billions-in-handouts/

http://www.oleantimesherald.com/news/state/mercy-college-unveils-new-manhattan-campus-in-the-heart-of/article_4474f689-073b-539d-9762-beae26cdc387.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=user-share

https://www.mercy.edu/newsroom/greater-new-york-chamber-commerce-honors-brian-l-johnson-vice-president-mercymanhattan

https://www.mercy.edu/newsroom/mercy-college-announces-expansion-plan-manhattan-campus

https://commercialobserver.com/2018/12/sl-green-continues-2-herald-square-momentum-with-mercy-college-expansion/

https://vimeo.com/301687049

https://vimeo.com/301687379

https://www.prweb.com/releases/mercy_college_announces_brian_l_johnson_as_the_new_vice_president_of_the_mercy_college_manhattan_campus/prweb15773161.htm

PC’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Week Honors Dr. King

https://www.wsj.com/articles/faith-that-upholds-humanityand-liberty-1483053830

https://www.wsj.com/articles/loan-program-for-black-colleges-struggles-with-oversight-repayment-1500310260