Jeff Johnson’s list of credentials says it all.

Charismatic or not, his extensive resume alone qualifies him to speak at the University’s annual “Week of Soul,” the University Union’s week-long series of Black History Month-themed events.

Johnson is an award-winning journalist, political activist, social commentator, BET talk show host, member of the Transatlantic 2020 team, author and CEO of Jeff’s Nation, LLC.

Donielle Ojeah Bell, senior coordinator for student activities, said no other candidates could compete with Johnson as speaker for the “Week of Soul” kickoff.

Journalist Jeff Johnson, whose career has included a stint as a talk show host on BET, is kicking off the University’s “Week of Soul” with a motivational speech that will be tailored to Athens students. Courtesy Jeff Johnson

“He was definitely in our price range, and he’s going to speak about unclaimed legacies — who will lead the next social movement — and we thought that would be extremely relevant to our students,” she said. “Also, he used to have his own show on BET, so the students are very interested in getting to see him speak.”

On his BET talk show, “The Truth with Jeff Johnson,” Johnson’s speaking style is clear and firm.

He is unafraid to ask tough questions. But despite his interviewing tenacity, Johnson is the only American reporter to get an exclusive interview with Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf after her inauguration as Africa’s first elected female head of state.

“I think that as far as choosing Jeff Johnson as our speaker goes, after really researching him and watching many of his speeches, I think that one thing that he does that not a lot of lecturers do is he draws in the audience and he challenges the status quo — what we feel is normal,” said Britney McDonald, University’s Union committee chair for black cultural programs. “So I think that him coming to our University where we pride ourselves [on] being the best and being great thinkers, he pushes us even farther so we are thinking outside of the box in a not so regular way.”

But Johnson’s motivational speeches aren’t cookie-cutter.

He really does tailor [his speech] to your institution,” Bell said. “He does research on your school. So there are different things that he may bring into the speech.”

Students can keep the experience personal in the question-and-answer session after the presentation.

While Johnson will be the star attraction of the event, Union is providing additional incentives for students to attend.

“With it being our first event, we’ll also be giving out ‘Week of Soul’ T-shirts,” Bell said. “Then we’re launching a new Union initiative, which is called ‘the U card,’ where you can collect stamps or punches as you attend different Union events. So we’ll be launching that at the event. The benefit is once you’ve got four out of the five punches for ‘Week of Soul,’ you’ll be entered for a chance at three really awesome prizes, possibly a VIP meet-and-greet for our spring concert, as well as Union prize bags.”

Whether students attend for the motivational words of a well-seasoned professional or the free T-shirts, the “Week of Soul” kickoff will continue the University’s celebration of Black History Month.

And even from the beginning, Johnson was the clear choice to begin celebrating.

“There was pretty much a consensus in the committee as we were brainstorming that this is who we wanted,” Bell said. “We just all are really excited to hear what he has to say.”

JEFF JOHNSON

Where: Tate Grand Hall

When: 8 p.m.

Price: Free

Contact: (706) 542-6396