You can’t talk about entrepreneurship without talking about George Johnson, a Northside Richmond money-making native. Growing up, Johnson spent most of his time shooting hoops on the court and figuring out how to secure the bag because letting the streets get to him wasn’t an option. From a logo-sewing business in middle school to playing professional basketball to becoming a serial entrepreneur, George excelled at everything he touched. George Johnson is the bestselling author of Double Crossed: a memoir and has created a name for himself. Now George Johnson spends his time in Houston, Texas, where several of his businesses are headquartered.
Can you tell us a little more about who George Johnson is?
I’m an author, entrepreneur, mental health advocate, former athlete, and father. I grew up on the Northside of Richmond, VA, where my love for both basketball and entrepreneurship started. My basketball talents opened many doors for me including at the professional level. Through it all, I’ve always had a love for business. I’ve been able to build various successful businesses including multiple mental health outpatient facilities that serve low-income communities in Texas and Virginia.
Can you tell us about what made you write Double Crossed: A Memoir?
Double Crossed was a therapeutic outlet for me. It initially started out as an exercise from my therapist as a way to get my thoughts out. I was battling depression and anxiety after fighting a 4+ year-long legal battle, as a result of two of my older brothers, and this was a way to help me manage my symptoms. After a year of journaling, I had 2 notebooks full of everything I was holding in for years and realized I had a compelling story to share.
Have you always aspired to become an author?
It’s funny…the plan was never to even write a book. Even after it was complete, I was hesitant to publish it. In my head, it would simply be a stocking stuffer that I would gift to the people closest to me. It wasn’t until one of my friends shared with me how they were struggling mentally that pushed me to share my story with the world.
There has always been a stigma around mental health within the Black community, what sparked you to raise awareness about mental health?
I worked in the mental health industry prior to writing my book so I’ve seen it firsthand. I’ve seen the effect it’s had on people that look like me and the way they tend to cope with it by abusing drugs, alcohol, etc. After becoming aware of my situation, it made me want to show others that they’re not the only ones experiencing this and there are other ways to overcome this battle.
Aside from stigma, what obstacles can get in the way of those in the black community struggling with mental health?
The access to resources, for sure. More than ever people in our community are struggling with their mental health but don’t have the access to real education or resources. Also, being vulnerable or showing any type of emotion can be looked at as being weak. Unfortunately, most of us were taught by our parents or people in our community growing up to never show pain or emotion. When in reality, it’s a sign of strength – which is why it’s so important to me to be so open about my journey.
Over the last 5 years, there’s been an increase in mental health advocates. Is there anything you’re doing differently than the others that have come before you?
I make sure I stay authentic to myself which makes me more relatable to those that look like me. A lot of the time people won’t think I, a young Black man with tattoos from the inner city, am capable of articulating his mental health journey but I can and I pride myself on that. The message isn’t going to connect to the audience if they’re not able to relate to the person. I make sure they see that I listen to the same music as them, wear the same clothes, and hang out at the same spots but I’m also going to therapy, working out, and going to hot yoga, all to protect my mental well-being.
How do you encourage the younger generation to be proactive with their mental health?
The younger generation stays on social media, so I use my Instagram to share my story but also show them the levels they can reach if they take care of themselves – mentally, physically, and emotionally. I’ve shared some of my therapy sessions, conversations I’ve had with other mental health professionals, and what’s helped me on my journey. Even through having regular everyday conversations, I’ve noticed some of the younger men around me have become more open and aware of their mental health. We have to continue having these open and transparent conversations.
Where can our readers find you?
You can stay up to date with everything on my Instagram @2xcrossed and you can purchase my book on my website 2xcrossed.com or Amazon.
