Real men wear pink for breast cancer

By Shanderia K. Posey

Editor

Jay Johnson has donned a lot of pink attire this month all for a good cause. He is one of at least 24 men chosen to participate in the American Cancer Society’s local Real Men Wear Pink of Jackson campaign this October.

Real Men Wear Pink is a distinguished group of community leaders raising awareness and funds for this year’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K Walk set for 9 a.m. Oct. 22, at Thalia Mara Hall in Jackson. Registration for the walk begins at 8 a.m. Each man was challenged to raise at least $2,500 for breast cancer awareness.

On Oct. 8, Johnson, who works as the professional photographer/multi-media coordinator for the city of Jackson, donated his photographic services at his campaign fundraising event held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Mississippi Museum of Art. For a donation of $50 or more, Johnson along with fellow photographer, Anita Young, took professional portraits of contributors to his campaign. So far more than $1,800 has been raised. Johnson hopes to at least raise $3,000. Dollars raised by Making Strides supporters help the American Cancer Society ensure no one faces breast cancer alone by funding innovative breast cancer research; promoting education and risk reduction; and providing comprehensive patient support to those who need it most.

Breast cancer is a topic Johnson describes as “near and dear to me.” He lost in mother, Minerva E. Johnson, to breast cancer April 9, 2004. His campaign is conducted in her memory. His mother worked as a teacher in Rankin County Schools for 29 years and stressed the importance of education.

While working as a photographer, Johnson’s clients have included major political figures and celebrities such as President Barack Obama, former President Bill Clinton, Rev. Jesse Jackson, B.B. King, Pattie LaBelle, Ruby Dee and many more. In addition to nationally known individuals, Johnson is a highly sought after photographer who cover numerous local events for various organizations. His work is regularly featured in The Mississippi Link, as well. Johnson is a member of the Professional Photographers Association and received the Honor’s Business Award from Robinson and Watson Book Company.

He attended Jackson State University and is a member of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., the International Community Ambassadors Network and a member of College Hill Missionary Baptist Church. He and wife, Shirley, are the parents of three children and three grandchildren.

“It’s been a delight (wearing pink all month),” Johnson said. He did have to add a few pink pieces to his wardrobe to ensure he represents the campaign throughout the entire month. All of the men will attend a campaign closeout event at the beginning of November. Most of all, Johnson is most appreciative of the support of his contributors, many of whom donated in his mom’s memory.

Those interested in donating to the campaign can do so online at the Real Men Wear Pink website – www.mainacsevents.org. Johnson’s page is http://bit.ly/2aSNNLq. Checks made payable to the American Cancer Society with “Jay Johnson” in the memo line may be mailed to the American Cancer Society, Attn: Tracie Wade, 1380 Livingston Lane, Jackson, MS 39213.