We caught up with the brilliant and insightful LaTanya Johnson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

LaTanya, appreciate you joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

LaTanya Johnson, I’m a loving and caring mother, sister, and friend, who would give my all to help and nourish others. I was born and raised in the Englewood community (In Chicago). When I was young I loved to dance, jump rope, and play with friends, but most importantly, I always wanted to be famous. I always picture myself getting an award from the BET, LOL! That was just one of my dreams. I’m a mother of 4 beautiful children. who I LOVE with my whole heart, and my 4 Nani babies are my whole world.

Going to school in Englewood, there were so many things I could have been exposed to, to help me get through life. My mom couldn’t afford to pay bills, and pay for me to attend a park district program, YWCA, or no other program because they were so costly. As I got older I had to figure out what was it I wanted to do in life, and I DID!!!

I am, LaTanya Johnson, who grew up to become the Executive Director of LaTanya & The Youth of Englewood 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. I am known as (“The Mother of Englewood”).  This is my “why” in life. We provide  (FREE) year around programming for children ages 4yrs & up, recreational activities, educational programming, and skill building. mentorship, social opportunities, Community events, family support, and more (FREE OF CHARGE) to those in our community and around the Chicagoland area. I’m proud to say that. I haven’t had one youth who has been shot or murdered. who attend my program. (THANK GOD) and I am set to make this a reality for every kid in Chicago.

This year (2023) makes my 10th year of service to my community, and I’ve served thousands and thousands of children and their families with, food giveaways, toy giveaways, clothing giveaways, bringing the community together having free community events, having meetings, attending meetings, volunteering, connecting people, sharing resources and so much more!!

LaTanya Johnson, Executive Director of LaTanya & The Youth of Englewood

LaTanya, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I was born and raised in the Englewood community in Chicago, where poverty was and still is a huge factor in our community. Throughout the years, there were so many parents living from paycheck to paycheck and couldn’t afford to put their children in a park district or even the YWCA, because those places were very expensive, with parents trying to keep a roof over their heads, not possible.. Back in 2013, I started my organization called LaTanya & the Youth of Englewood 50(c)(3) nonprofit organization, We work with youth ages 5yrs and up, recreational activities, educational programming, mentorship, community events, family support, field trips, and more. Our services are Free of Charge to all youth in Englewood and throughout the Chicagoland area, P.s I have not had not one youth who has been a part/ attended my program, murdered, shot, or evening missing. I am honored to know my program works!!

Your Daughter
LaTanya Johnson

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Yes! Transportation was a huge problem, I would catch the bus to and from work, then I would stop at home to pick up my youngest daughter, (Every bit of 5 minutes in the house), then out the door we went!!! There were so many days & evenings i’ve picked kids up and drop them off at home on the bus. Me and my youngest daughter would get home a little late due to making sure the kids that attend my program get home safely. The kids parents didnt have a car, because the kids would enjoy themselves, they wanted to come everyday, (It takes a village) But, there was times I had to cancel, because of rain or if I didnt have bus fare, or maybe even a space to utilize for the kids to feel safe, Many tribes and tribulaion, this is just one of MANY!!!!

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.LaTanyaandtheyouthofenglewood.org
• Instagram: @Latanyaandtheyouthofenglewood
• Facebook: latanya&theyouthofenglewood.org
• Email: jbrriana07@gmail.com

Image Credits
LaTanya Johnson and volunteers