CityView Magazine

CityViewNC.com | 47 E ven though Johnny le the mill behind, he continues to be a "fixer." In his 17 years at Fayetteville Urban Ministry (FUM), Johnny has worked nearly every job in the build- ing. From their well-known Find-A-Friend Program to their Nehemiah Project, he has witnessed the changing needs of Fayette- ville and celebrated the accomplishments of numerous youth. When he conveys their suc- cess stories, he does so with the fervor and pride of a parent, but no story of triumph is more impressive than his very own. Johnny was born in Washington, D.C. and describes his background as "challenged." It was his grandmother who moved his family to rural Landrum, South Carolina. "For a large part of my life, we lived on a farm with no indoor plumbing," he said. But for the shortcomings he had, he also felt very blessed. "I was a very good athlete," he said. "I was one of the first African Americans to play quarterback at our school." Johnny was also the first person in his family to graduate from high school. At junior college, with a plan to join the basketball team, Johnny was disappointed to learn the coach's roster was already set. When he was 19, for one single day, Johnny dipped his toes into drug trade. "It was the longest day of my life," he re- counted. Aer getting caught, he spent a few days in jail, which was long enough for him to devise a better plan for his life. at's when Johnny went to work at the mill, but every day he was haunted by the impending consequences with the law. He was 21 years old. He was married. He had a son. When his court date arrived, Johnny's high school coach, high school principal and pastor vouched for his good character and strong work ethic. "I got probation and a fine and avoided prison," Johnny said. "Finally, that cloud lied." To earn a sufficient living in the mill, John- ny worked long hours, but he still made time to volunteer with his high school basketball team. In the evening, he scrimmaged with the players. "I was about 23 and my high school coach kept saying, 'I realize you're married and have a son, but you need to use your talents. Basketball is the key.'" DESIGN YOUR ENGINEERING CAREER AT METHODIST UNIVERSITY. MU's new Engineering Program* will offer a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in engineering with a concentration in Industrial Engineering (IE). As IE is a versatile engineering field, students can tailor their studies through technical electives in their chosen area while still gaining knowledge of the engineering design process, critical thinking, and analytical problem solving. Upon graduation, students can enter careers in a wide range of sectors including health care, safety, sports, and transportation. *e Engineering Program is pending SACSCOC approval. methodist.edu | facebook.com/MethodistUniversity 910.630.7000 | 5400 Ramsey Street, Fayetteville, N.C. 28311 ENGINEERING PROGRAM As fate would have it, a tryout was being held the following week in Spartanburg, South Carolina. His former coach paid for him to attend, and Johnny was able to showcase his talents. Methodist College (now Methodist University) showed interest.

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