Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris “Slade” Johnson.
Hi, Chris “Slade,” thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hello. My name is Chris “Slade” Johnson and I am originally from Jacksonville, Florida. I founded The Influence Crew and created Jax Juneteenth Celebration in 2017 with the hopes of introducing brand new events that would allow the city of Jacksonville to network and enlarge young professional circles. Our goal is to enhance the young professional community and redefine it by displaying African American culture through social gatherings and citywide initiatives. The focus is not only to impact the community with social events but also to lead and participate in community actions that serve people in need. I believe that having more like-minded individuals interact and collaborate on ideas, the further we can expand our reach as young professionals in the city. We have thrown many events establishing Jacksonville’s young professional community since 2017. We have participated in political campaigns and thrown meet and greets where candidates can meet the people and answer questions. We have held entrepreneur galas such as The Jax Met Gala in September, and our staple event is Jax Juneteenth. This is where we celebrate an annual observance on June 19 to remember when Union soldiers enforced the Emancipation Proclamation and freed all remaining enslaved people. It is an opportunity for the African American culture to celebrate freedom and equal rights in the United States. Our most recent Jax Juneteenth celebration was held Sunday, June 19, 2022, on the roof of The Riverplace Tower in Downtown Jacksonville with over 500 guests in attendance. Next year will prove to be even bigger.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Some of my struggles were creating a new environment and earning the city’s trust to execute impacting events that change the conversation and propel the community forward. I don’t believe any road to success is meant to be smooth or easy. Throughout the journey of creating and manifesting ideas, turbulence and unexpected disruptions will test your commitment and endurance. Will meet anything new or different with challenges and questions about the validity of your actions. With time, real work, and dedication to the goal, the energy being poured into tasks will force those creations to come to fruition. Then those questioning your efforts will gain clarity and hopefully want to support and continue the work.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Influence Crew, LLC?
The Influence Crew, LLC is a company that was birthed out of necessity to create a more impacting culture in the city of Jacksonville, Florida. Our goal is to enhance the young professional community and redefine it by displaying African American culture through social gatherings. We plan to facilitate great events that spread true awareness of a needed cause. Our focus is not only to impact the community with social events but also to participate in community events that serve people in need. Whether it is clothing drives, events for the homeless, or back-to-school activities for the youth, we want to bring an action not normally seen in the Jacksonville community from young professionals. The definition of influence is the capacity to affect the character, development, or behavior of someone or something or the effect itself. We feel that community support can be the positive effect everyone wants to see in the city. This is for all cultural individuals who aspire to Influence positive messages.
The mission of Flying Write is to facilitate more products, services, and events that further the artistic movement in the city of Jacksonville. Flying Write is a subsidiary company to The Influence Crew that specializes in Art, Music, Artist Development, and Events catering to Artistic Entrepreneurs and the Art Community. On June 25, 2020, Flying Write partnered with Impresario Trey Ford to create Culture Lounge, a weekly event on Thursdays at The CookBook Restaurant in Jacksonville, Florida, that provides a platform for Jacksonville artists and entrepreneurs to showcase their talents and business along with vending products they created. This event led to a 3 volume book series titled “Ten Toes Down,” chronicling the lives and journeys of Jacksonville’s most premier entrepreneurs, of which I have a written chapter titled “Ready.” With two recent musical releases from Flying Write on all streaming platforms titled “Ready” and “The PARTY,” along with more events and products being created and manufactured, Flying Write will be a name to remember for years to come.
Do you have any advice for those just starting?
My advice for those beginning is to have fun and stay committed. The most innovative and impactful ideas are created through genuine fun and commitment. Find a good team to work with and ensure the work gets done with no egos or hidden agendas. And keep the business honest. Starting, I wish I had done better with keeping teams together. Of course, things will be out of your control, but if you have a solid team, make sure you keep them happy.
Contact Info:
- Website: theinfluencecrew.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theinfluencecrew/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theinfluencecrew
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Influence_Crew
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZh4KPsNVA85fKs_tive_mg
- Other: https://linktr.ee/flyingwrite_
