Peace and Blessings

Rev. Dr. Derrick Shahem Johnson Sr. Bio

 

Rev. Dr. Derrick Shahem Johnson Sr. is an American photographer, minister, and community leader known for his contributions to both the arts and social justice initiatives. Born and raised in Harlem, USA, Johnson's journey has been marked by a commitment to education, artistic expression, and spiritual leadership.

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Early Life and Education

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Johnson attended the New York City Public School System before graduating from City-As-School High School in 1990. He then pursued further education at Bronx Community College (BCC), initially enrolling in the Audio Visual program. Despite facing the challenges of parenthood and his developing photography career, Johnson demonstrated remarkable determination, intermittently attending classes while pursuing entrepreneurial ventures.

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During his time at BCC, Johnson emerged as a leader, serving as President of the Black Student Union and receiving recognition for his leadership during the Million Man March in 1995. He later continued his education at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), where he earned an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Photography and Related Media in 2002. Additionally, Johnson returned to BCC in 2010 to complete coursework, ultimately earning an Associate in Science (AS) degree in Media and Digital Film Production.

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Photography Career

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Johnson's passion for photography led him to work at Pier 59 Studios, a premier studio facility located at Chelsea Piers in New York City, from 1999 to 2001. Mentored by industry luminaries such as Hal Jackson and Hugh Bell, Johnson established himself as a respected professional photographer in the entertainment industry, maintaining his career from 1997 to 2012.

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Community Engagement and Social Advocacy

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Beyond his artistic pursuits, Johnson has been deeply engaged in community service and social advocacy efforts. He served as a mentor at The Eagle Academy for Young Men from 2008 to 2013 and contributed to the West Harlem Development Corporation's Public Housing Advisory Committee from 2015 to 2017. Additionally, Johnson has been an active member of Manhattan Community Board No. 9 from 2015 to 2024.

 

Ministry and Spiritual Leadership

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In 2013, Johnson underwent a profound spiritual transformation, answering a call to ministry and enrolling in the New York Theological Seminary's Master of Divinity program. After being licensed as a Minister at Metropolitan Baptist Church in Harlem in 2015, Johnson furthered his theological education, earning both a Master of Divinity (MDiv) and a Doctor of Ministry (DMin) from NYTS in 2018 and 2021, respectively. He was ordained Assistant Pastor at Metropolitan Baptist Church in Harlem in 2021 and subsequently granted a Certificate of Religious Incorporation for The Black Liberation Church in 2022.

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Philanthropy and Mentorship

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Johnson's commitment to empowering young people extends beyond the church walls. From 2017 to 2023, he served as a Life Coach at Graham Windham's Graham SLAM program, providing guidance and support to youth transitioning out of foster care. Currently, Johnson serves as a Chaplain at the V.A. Hospital, offering spiritual care to veterans.

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Personal Life

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Rev. Dr. Derrick Shahem Johnson Sr. is a devoted father of three children, embodying his values of love, compassion, and service both in his personal and professional life.

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Affiliations

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Johnson is an active member of Joppa Lodge No. 55 of The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of New York, where he served as the State Chaplain of The New York Board of Regents, Paul Robeson Venerable Grand Council of New York, Order of Knights of Pythagoras Youth Program.

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Rev. Dr. Derrick Shahem Johnson Sr.'s multifaceted journey exemplifies a steadfast commitment to personal growth, artistic expression, community service, and spiritual leadership, making him a revered figure in both the artistic and religious spheres of Harlem and beyond.

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