The Origin of Strength

Eric Anthony Johnson grew up constantly on the move in New Orleans amid the 1970s-80s crack epidemic, getting "jacked" by the thugs and seeing people murdered right in front of his face.
This environment snatched up and spit out most of the people he knew-but not Eric. With the help of his grandparents-and the power of comic books, basketball, education, and an immense drive-"Big E" went on to become a Presidential Management Fellow and earn two Master's Degrees and his PhD in route to becoming one of America's most influential voices in the realm of housing and urban development.
Eric's raw and gripping memoir gives a visceral glimpse into the adolescent life of a young boy who overcame violence and poverty and went on to accomplish great things-detailing a life of courage, discipline, and disruption that inspires readers to travel their own path and fulfill their own maximum potential.
"You won't be able to put this book down, and you'll never be the same after reading it. This story is the kind of 'edge of your seat' read that will one day become a classic film."- Matt Weinglass, Award-Winning Director & Producer

"What does it take to overcome immense adversity? Eric repeatedly made choices to create a different life for himself and in turn escape his fate. He found role models and heroes for inspiration and where none were to be found, he dug deep and relied on himself. Eric confronted adversity with a belief in himself and never stopped pushing against the obstacles that his environment placed in front of him. He accepted lost opportunities without giving up and unearthed another path to accomplish his goals. If you observe Eric's journey, you can see how as a child and then as a young man, he created a map to success that can be followed when the odds are against you." -Ki Stulberg
"The Origin of Strength by Dr. Eric Anthony Johnson feels like diving into a modern-day Greek myth, where you can't help but root for the hero against all odds. Eric's life story is a relentless battle against the forces telling him he can't succeed, and every time he gets close, it feels like the ground shifts beneath him. Yet, just like Sisyphus, Eric keeps pushing that stone up the hill. And when he finally triumphs, you can't help but cheer along with him. The Origin of Strength is a vivid reminder that we all have untapped potential and that sometimes, it takes the darkest times to bring out our brightest lights. Dr. Eric Anthony Johnson's tale is raw, real, and incredibly motivating. It's a book worth reading and sharing, a story that will inspire your children, friends, and anyone who feels stuck in their circumstances. Eric's journey shows us that our lot in life is never fixed, and with resilience and perseverance, we can all reach for something greater."
-Shaun Bourgeois

"The Origin of Strength is raw, illuminating, motivational, and hope-driven. Eric's ability to illustrate and delve into the fragility of his existence as a child is gut-wrenching and masterly transformational. This book should be on the required reading list for all involved in youth sports programs where there's a need to develop life and leadership skills beyond the gridiron and basketball court. Dr. Eric Johnson is a national treasure and an example of resilience and self-determination"
-David Rudder

Dr. Eric Anthony Johnson is the President and CEO of Aeon-a nonprofit-housing and real estate development organization based in Minnesota. The nationally-renowned authority on community leadership and urban development resides in the Twin Cities and loves the game of basketball.

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