Zach's Podcast: George M. Johnson

George Matthew Johnson, a local hero, faced a call to ban their memoir at a library meeting. Despite not being able to speak in person, their story was shared through a film. The story recounts a traumatic incident where Matthew was attacked as a child, but found comfort and support from their family. Matthew's family continues to support them and speak out against the ban. The message is that reading about people different from us can promote understanding, tolerance, and compassion in the world. In a previous cycle, we learned about heroes and debated the characteristics of a hero. I'm excited to share with you the story of a local hero who has stepped onto the global stage. George Matthew Johnson. It is a cool, dark Wednesday night. There is an intense energy inside a building where people of all ages and hues are packed in like sardines. People spill onto the street. Chants echo. Colorful signs dot the scene. Cameras capturing it all. This is not a concert or any kind of performance. It is the monthly meeting of the Glen Ridge Public Library directors. There has been a call to ban six books, among them All Boys Are in Blue, a memoir by George M. Johnson. The book is Matthew telling their story. On this night, Matthew will be heard, even if not in their own voice. Matt's film will bring their word to the crowd. They make it clear Matthew is theirs and they offer their support a thousand percent. A walk home after school is pretty routine for most people. It's also common that there might be some dread for some. Perhaps they walk through a different neighborhood and maybe they are not some maximized neighbor they have to pass by on the way home. Matthew's story is calm and yet traumatizing. Matthew is walking home from school accompanied by two older cousins. They are approached by six kids. An argument begins. Ventular rains and anger erupts. Fists and kicks fly. One of those kicks is aimed at five-year-old Matthew's face. Matt's teeth shatter like glass. Matthew is told to run home. A terrified Matthew is later comforted by their mother. This love and comfort is just where it put a fire in this event. The next day, Matt's cousins remember a big-ass bologna noodle and a fire before school. It may seem like the school is settled, but what we have to factor in is the loss of Matt's mother for a long time after this traumatic incident. Fast forward a few years. Matthew's grandmother, Nanny, takes the children on a vacation to California. She takes the children on a shopping spree to get new sneakers. Judging from her clothes, she does not want a new pair of sneakers. Matthew, instead, wants a pair of shiny cowboy boots. Nanny loves him to get his heart's desire. Reading Matthew's story, you come to understand that family has always been a significant support, whether it was deciding to go by the middle name or on a pair of cowboy boots. Matthew's family has always been supportive of them being exactly who they are and being deliberate. So Matthew's mother and aunt and grandmother donate, showing their support and speaking out against the boot ban. It's not surprising they share Matt's words with the crowd. To choose an applause, the statement is, we support our Matt. Seeing that different people want to help us understand how wonderfully dangerous the world is, reading a book about someone who's not like us may make us more understanding, tolerant, and compassionate. Our Lord could use all of those things right now. Thank you.