Edward Waters University professor and author Rahman Johnson recently shared his award-winning book of poetry inside the San Marco bookstore. Johnson signed books and shared his book of poetry with hundreds of family, fans and friends. Johnson, a native of Jacksonville published a book of poetry in the summer of 2020 during the height of COVID-19. When the book was released, most of the country was still in the midst of a shutdown with many businesses closed. During the pandemic, he hosted a ‘virtual’ signing/concert that ended up attracting several thousand viewers. “I had been writing poems for years but never thought that I would publish them but when my mother passed away, that changed everything,” said Johnson who was awarded 2021 Professor of the Year at Edward Waters University. The book, Living, Loving, Letting Go, was honored as poetry eBook of the Year by the American Library Association Black Caucus. Due to the pandemic, the awards ceremony was held virtually.
“I am excited to finally be able to share my book, live, in-person at-home. As we move beyond COVID, I am grateful to be reconnecting with the community and sharing my art with the world.” Rahman Johnson is a former news anchor and reporter from Jacksonville, FL. He was the host and producer of Splat, the flagship show on Nickelodeon. He is also an award-winning actor, host, producer, and now academic. Johnson is currently a PhD candidate at Jackson State University.