Class of 2020

“To each of the million questions is a cry to comprehend the Deaf World. Therefore, ask freely as your wisdom presents human flourishing.”

We are proud to induct Christopher D. Johnson into the Susan Daniels Disability Mentoring Hall of Fame.

Christopher D. Johnson—widely known as CJ in the Deaf community or Chris in the hearing world—is a Central High School product who graduated with a degree in Sports Management from the University of West Georgia in Carrollton, Georgia. With the recognition of his scholarship in the final years of his undergraduate years, in 2013, Johnson’s unquenchable thirst for knowledge led him to pursue his journey in the Deaf world. He gained his first great sense of identity, as a deaf male, through his employment experience at various deaf institutions. Chris, a Black deaf cisgender male passionate about advocating d/Deaf youth and adults, founded a social club called Cup of Wisdom at Tennessee School for the Deaf—Knoxville with a true intention to develop future Black deaf trailblazers like him.

In 2018, CJ received a can’t-miss opportunity from Gallaudet University in Washington, District of Columbia as a graduate assistant and graduate student studying Sign Language Education. Eventually, he became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated through Omicron Eta Lambda chapter in D.C. Chris’ exemplary community advocacy and toughness of spirit is reflected through his servant, empirical, and organizational leadership; his purpose-driven and visionary leader with forward-influenced plans are not limited to 1) currently employed at the Gallaudet University in Washington, District of Columbia; 2) serving as an active member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated; 3) a founding member for the Cup of Wisdom Club at Tennessee School for the Deaf-Knoxville (from 2016-2018); 4) formerly served as a chairperson of Dr. Glenn B. Anderson Scholarship Program (from 2018 to 2020); 5) currently serving as a member of the Board of Advisors at the Center for Black Deaf Studies at Gallaudet University; 6) current serving as a board member for American Sign Language Honor Society, a National Organization serving American Sign Language K-12 and college teachers; 7) currently serving as an MNCDHH (Minnesota Commission for the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing) Awards Committee member; and 8) currently in training to become a Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI).