Ronald F. Johnson

Ronald F. Johnson was born and raised in New York City. He is a product of the public school system. Ron is a former gang member and a graduate of Columbia University with a B.S. degree in Biology, Ron has worked with "at risk" youth all of his professional life. He began his work with high risk youth in the Upward Bound program at Columbia University. While there, as Director of Special Projects, he taught, counseled and designed self-esteem building and community building projects for the students. Ron was also founder and Executive Director of the Harlem Institute of Positive Education.

In 1985, Ron came to Los Angeles to design and direct a program for teen fathers. The young men in this program were between ages 14 and 20. While working with these fathers, Ron developed his Ten Sep Rites of Passage program - a comprehensive model designed to develop skills required to achieve a sense of manhood.

Ron's work with teenage fathers received national attention. He has been featured in People Magazine, the Los Angeles Weekly, the Los Angeles Times as well as newspapers around the country. He has also appeared on a host of news and information programs and is a member of the California State Assembly's Select Task Force on the Changing Family.

Ron has worked with a wide variety of agencies and organizations which include: T.H.E. Clinic for Women, People Coordinated Services, North American Council on Adoptable Children, Institute for Black Parenting, The Afro-American Museum, South Bronx Independent Living Skills, Utah State Department of Education, National Council of Negro Women, Adoptive Families of America, and many others.

Through his non-profit organization, the National Family Life & Education Center, Ron and staff are currently implementing his Rites of Passage for males and females in conjunction with the Los Angeles County Department of Children's Services. In addition, he is finishing up a book for the California State Department of Education. This interactive workbook, based on his ROP program, is targeted at African American boys, grades 6 - 12.

Ron, a fourth degree Black belt in jujitsu, is one of the most sought after speakers in the nation. He travels extensively presenting workshops and seminars about self-esteem, children of color in foster care, African American boys and cultural sensitivity. He is committed to Christ, his people and the world.