We recently connected with Pezo “CoConut” Johnson and have shared our conversation below.

Pezo “CoConut”, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

Pain On Paper POP is an impactful concept of anger management, social-emotional learning, conflict resolution, and music therapy for male and females ages 10-17 years old. The Pain On Paper Program, known as the POP program, aids adolescents by offering a self-expression model to help youth express their raw feelings and emotions. The five creative expression channels are rap, art, poetry, songs, and short stories (R.A.P.S). “My words are Power youth camp” focuses on emotions, anger, anxiety, PTSD, and depression. When the student complete the curriculum each student will have the opportunity to record their compositions to music.

Recently, the program was featured on Atlanta 11 Alive news for its outstanding work in the community and the positive impact it has on youth. The camp is divided into 3 different series, each having 30 participants, making a total of 90 participants. Apart from fostering personal growth and character development, the camp also offers various fun activities such as games, role-play exercises, and music trivia.

Participants will engage in daily workshops and activities focused on anger management, social-emotional learning, and conflict resolution. In collaboration with experienced music  professionals, attendees will learn the fundamentals of studio recording and songwriting. This hands-on training will empower them to express their trauma, depression, anxiety, and anger through music when they create their own compositions.

The camp will conclude with an exciting recording session at the legendary Patchwork Studio, giving participants the chance to see their compositions come to life. Selected participants and parent(s)or guardian(s) will receive a dedicated treatment team meeting with POP professional staff members who will provide feedback and a breakdown of their lyrical content.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

As far back as I can remember, I always knew my path would lead me to the creative realm, whether it was through artistry or the mesmerizing world of music. It all began with my father, whose deep passion for music filled our home with melodies day in and day out. His extensive record collection became the soundtrack to my upbringing, enveloping me in a rhythmic cocoon that would eventually shape my destiny.

Growing up surrounded by music, I couldn’t help but feel its magnetic pull. Even as a child, I found myself humming along to tunes from the ’80s, marveling at how effortlessly the lyrics flowed from my lips. It dawned on me then that these melodies had been etched into my very being, a testament to the profound influence music held in our household.

Yet, amidst my burgeoning love affair with music, there existed another passion—one that ignited my spirit with unparalleled intensity: football. Playing on the field was my first love, the rush of adrenaline coursing through my veins as I chased victory with unwavering determination. And yet, music remained my steadfast companion, guiding me through moments of triumph and defeat alike.

It was during my time at North Carolina Central University, where I earned a football scholarship, that my horizons expanded exponentially. Surrounded by peers from diverse corners of the country, I was exposed to a kaleidoscope of musical genres and cultural nuances, each one adding a new layer to my ever-evolving musical tapestry.

However, fate had other plans in store for me. A junior-year injury sidelined me from the football field, redirecting my focus towards a brand-new venture: college radio. As I immersed myself in the captivating world of broadcasting at WNCU 90.7 IN Durham NC, I discovered a newfound passion that would alter the course of my journey forever.

From that pivotal moment onward, radio became my compass, guiding me on a whirlwind journey that spanned seven different cities, each one offering its own unique blend of sounds and stories. And it was in the vibrant city of Atlanta, Georgia, that I found myself at the epicenter of a burgeoning music scene, poised to make my mark on the airwaves and beyond.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

As a young person, the concept of mortality often feels distant, almost inconceivable. Life stretches out before you, seemingly endless, without a hint of its impermanence. That was my mindset, at least, until the tragic events of one fateful day shattered my illusions and reshaped my perspective forever.

It was a day like any other, filled with the ordinary routines of college life and the camaraderie of teammates. But in an instant, at a college party everything changed. Derek Boone, a fellow teammate and friend, was senselessly ripped from our midst in a drive-by shooting. The shock and horror of witnessing his untimely demise left an indelible mark on my soul, and a pivot in my direction will forever be changed.

In the aftermath of Derek’s death, I found myself grappling with a profound sense of loss and it awakened previous situations where I lost friends to gun violence. The once vibrant and carefree spirit within me retreated, replaced by a cloak of darkness and suspicion. I withdrew into myself, wary of the world and its unpredictable twists of fate.

It was during this period of introspection and mourning that a friend extended an unexpected lifeline, inviting me to accompany him to his job at a juvenile detention facility. Unsure of what to expect, I reluctantly agreed, finding solace in the opportunity to share my story with those who could perhaps understand the depth of my pain.

To my surprise, the response from the youth was nothing short of transformative. They hung onto my every word, their eyes alight with a flicker of hope amidst their own struggles and hardships. Encouraged by their eagerness, my friend extended another invitation, this time offering me a position as a counselor at the Butner Correctional Center.

It was within the confines of those concrete walls that I found redemption and healing, as the very youth I sought to counsel became my unwitting therapists. Their resilience and unwavering spirit buoyed me through my darkest days, teaching me valuable lessons about resilience, empathy, and the power of human connection.

It was from this crucible of pain and redemption that the seeds of inspiration were sown, birthing the nonprofit organization known today as Pain on Paper POP. Driven by a shared desire to turn our collective pain into purpose, we embarked on a mission to empower youth through creative expression and therapeutic intervention, using art, music, creative writing and storytelling as vehicles for healing and transformation.

In the end, what began as a journey of personal tragedy and despair blossomed into a beacon of hope and resilience, illuminating a path forward for myself and countless others. And as I look back on the winding road that brought me to this moment, I am filled with gratitude for the profound lessons learned and the lives touched along the way.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

The mission of Pain On Paper POP is too cultivate a nurturing concept where youth can explore their emotions and thoughts while learning to express them through creative channels. By fostering a mental safe space, we empower young individuals to prioritize and address their mental health needs. Ultimately the POP program strive to expand this concept with youth across the country. We are currently fund raising for a spring break camp that we are failitating at the world renown Patchwerk studio and we need support for this event. Please Go to PainOnPaper.com to donate.

Contact Info:

• Website: PainOnPaper.com
• Instagram: @ThePOPprogram
• Facebook: @CoachPezo
• Linkedin: @Pezojohnson
• Twitter: @Pain.On.Paper.POP
• Youtube: @PainOnPaperPOP

Image Credits
Pezo has the rights