Coming HOME: Independence Through Interdependence
“The story of this artifact is that I’ve been military pretty much my entire life. My dad was military. His dad was military on my mom’s side and her dad was military.”
In our fourth portrait of the “Coming HOME: ReStorying U.S.” digital series, we are honored to share the profound journey of Jae Johnson, a St. Louis native with a profound familial connection to the military. Jae’s compelling narrative embodies not only the weight of tradition but also the courageous pursuit of personal freedom and individuality, found through the support of the community.
Jae’s reflection on their family’s multi-generational military history highlights the weight of tradition and duty, outlining a legacy that has significantly shaped their life. The Air Force tag, representing this lineage, becomes a symbol not only of commitment but also of the courage to deviate from the expected path and carve out a unique journey of their own.
Who do you carry with you in your life?
“The person that I carry with me as I go along to my journey, most of all is my father. He is the most impactful person in my life, rather forcefully, but he has implemented in me a lot of the lessons and values that I’ve learned throughout college, throughout my years to COVID…he’s probably the most proud person on the face of the planet, every time he sees me, you can’t help but say, ‘I still feel like I have so much more to prove, I have so much more to do, I have so much more things to say’ and really drive it in that I can be this successful person. And he’s just proud that I even got to this part, I couldn’t have done it without him at all. He’s been to each and every single thing that I’ve ever done in my entire life.”
What is your artifact of healing?
“If we take a look at this picture here, this artifact of mine is a picture of when I first came to the University of San Diego. The idea that we could all be at school where no one was and yet everyone still had to wear masks was something that wasn’t blatantly obvious that we were in the middle of a pandemic until we were in the middle of a pandemic.”
Jae’s recollection of their early days at the University of San Diego, surrounded by masked faces, signifies the resilience displayed during the challenges posed by the pandemic. The image stands as a testament not just to personal perseverance, but also to the power of a community coming together, and supporting each other through shared experiences of uncertainty and fear.
What myth has died since the pandemic?
“A myth that has died for me was the idea that I have to do everything alone. I was convinced that you know I was going to drop the military scholarship… And yet each and every step of the way there was always someone there to help out that I reached out to.”
Jae’s courageous acknowledgment of the significance of seeking support and guidance from their community and peers underscores the transformative power of interdependence. His journey highlights the profound impact of fostering meaningful connections, emphasizing the strength found in shared experiences and collaborative wisdom, ultimately leading to the discovery of personal freedom through the supportive network around them.
Jae’s inspiring narrative encapsulates the spirit of resilience and the pursuit of personal growth through relying upon others.
What artifact serves as a symbol of your personal freedom?
As the nation approaches its historic 250th anniversary in 2026, we embark on a profound digital storytelling journey — “Coming HOME: Re-Storying U.S.” Our mission is clear: to help people heal through remembrance. We’re dedicated to capturing 250 heartfelt stories by 250, documenting the vibrant tapestry of America’s past, present, and future. In this remarkable project, we celebrate the power of stories. Each narrative is a thread woven into the fabric of our shared history, reminding us of our resilience, our diversity, and our unity. Together, we explore the rich tapestry of heritage, healing, and hope. Join us on this transformative journey as we pave the road to America’s 250th anniversary, one story at a time. Follow us @conversationsbycourage on Instagram and TikTok.For information about Coming HOME: Restorying U.S., please contact Conversations By Courage.🌠🏡✨ #ComingHOMEseries #HealingThroughRemembrance #America250 #HeritageStories #HopefulFuture #DigitalStorytelling
Team Credits:
Featured Curator: Jae Johnson
Michelle Kamau, M.A, Co-Creator, Photographer
David Brose, Co-Creator, Videographer
Victiashea (Tasha) Matthews Co-Creator, Facilitator