Theodore (Ted) R. Johnson served twenty years in the United States Navy before becoming a columnist and author.  His latest book, If We Are Brave is a collection of essays on race in America, and in this Blue Sky conversation, Ted describes his pragmatic optimism and belief that the United States has in its founding ideals the path towards forming a “more perfect union.”  Ted’s personal story is remarkable, rising from humble beginnings to become an officer in the US Navy, White House Fellow, and speechwriter for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.   

Chapters:

02:33 Meet Ted Johnson: A Journey from the South 
Ted Johnson shares his upbringing in North Carolina, detailing the duality of growing up in a predominantly white suburb while attending a black church. His experiences shaped his worldview and influenced his educational and career choices. 

06:10 From HBCU to the Navy 
Ted discusses his decision to attend Hampton University and how it led him to a career in the Navy. He reflects on how a chance encounter with a Navy recruiter changed his life trajectory. 

09:43 A Career in the Navy: Unexpected Turns 
Ted recounts his 20-year journey in the Navy, highlighting key experiences that led him to become a speechwriter for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.  

12:12 The Power of Writing: Ted’s Passion 
Ted reveals his love for writing and how it became a central focus of his post-military career. He discusses his first book, ‘When the Stars Begin to Fall,’ and the themes of racism and optimism that permeate his work. 

18:09 Why Ted Loves America 
Ted explains his deep love for America, likening it to familial bonds. He reflects on the nation’s promise of democracy and equality, despite its historical shortcomings. 

20:15 Reflections on Progress Since Trayvon Martin 
Ted discusses the impact of Trayvon Martin’s death on his perspective and activism. He evaluates the progress made in addressing racism in America over the past twelve years, noting both advancements and ongoing challenges. 

25:45 The Role of Organizations in Promoting Diversity 
Ted shares his thoughts on how businesses can better reflect the communities they serve through diversity and inclusion efforts.  

29:01 The Complexity of Affirmative Action 
Ted and Bill explore the nuances of affirmative action, discussing how perceptions change based on personal experiences.  

32:01 The Founding Ideals vs. Historical Flaws 
The conversation shifts to the founding documents of the United States, emphasizing the need to separate the ideals from the flawed individuals who created them.  

36:16 Introducing If We Are Brave 
Ted discusses his latest book, If We Are Brave, which aims to present a national conversation on race through his unique perspective. He shares insights into the essays included and the themes of optimism and realism that permeate his work. 

39:49 The Legacy of Optimism 
Reflecting on his family’s history, Ted shares how the optimism of his ancestors inspires him to believe in a better future for America.  

42:12 New America and the US at 250 Initiative 
Ted introduces New America, a think tank focused on evolving policies to match societal changes, and discusses the US at 250 initiative. This project aims to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence by fostering dialogue and understanding across diverse communities. 

45:30 The Impact of ‘If We Are Brave’ 
In the final segment, Ted expresses his hopes for readers of his book to gain a deeper understanding of race and democracy in America.