One of Us - How do we reach excellence as leaders through spoken word?

Johnathan and DeShaun are co-founders and co-presidents of One of Us.

This organization was created to act on the negativity and lack of role models found in our communities, and to help develop positive reinforcements for the betterment of society. Johnathan and DeShaun are both inspired to aspire to change the world!

DeShaun is involved with many activities at Cane Ridge High School, serving as president of the Black Achievers Club Model of the YMCA, and secretary of the Poetry Organization. In the summer of 2013, he spent the summer as a Bank of America Student Leader Intern, interning at a local Nashville non-profit organization called the Oasis Center.

During his internship, he worked with the R.E.A.L. program (Reaching Excellence as Leaders) that serves at-risk youth males who were either court-ordered or referred to the R.E.A.L program by their probation officers. DeShaun says this internship inspired him to collaborate with Johnathan to create One of Us. DeShaun plans to attend college in the fall and is interested in studying business and entrepreneurship.

Johnathan serves as president of Cane Ridge High School Poetry Organization, is involved with the spoken word movement P.O.E.T (People of Extraordinary Talent), and acts as Secretary of the Cane Ridge High School Black Achievers Club Model of the YMCA. Additionally, Johnathan actively strives to continue to improve himself by methods known as soul discovery or introspection.

Johnathan plans to pursue degrees in human resources and business consulting, with the goal of becoming known as one of the best leaders in America.