Before You Go

Before You Go: A Rancher An Educator and A Gentleman

Episode Summary

Lifelong educator, rancher and State Democratic Party superstar Cedric Johnson shares Oklahoma's rich history with hosts Nicole Franklin and Bryant Monteilh. And, during the show, Mr. Johnson receives a surprise visit from his past!

Episode Notes

In this postcard from Oklahoma, we meet Cedric Johnson, the first African American to represent the State of Oklahoma at a Democratic National Convention. Since this was 2016,  Mr. Johnson, who had been a Republican earlier in life, was well into his 80s when he was asked to take on this role. And why not? He had a stellar career as teacher and principal in Muskogee, spending a significant amount of his life as both a student and educator at the historic Manual Training High School.  He has a lot to teach us about the rich history of the numerous African American towns in his beloved state. While getting to know Mr. Johnson--especially through the memories of former student Linda Taylor-Vaughn who joins the chat--it is not a surprise that this is a man, a total gentleman, who at one time owned a ranch with sixty horses and cows under his care. During this tour through a life well-lived, we are in good hands. 

This interview first aired on KBLA Talk 1580 in Los Angeles.