I am woman, hear me roar
In numbers too big to ignore
And I know too much to go back an' pretend
'Cause I've heard it all before
And I've been down there on the floor
No one's ever gonna keep me down again

~Helen Reddy


I am often asked to introduce and/or identify myself. My simple reply is, I am Tawana Johnson. Conversely, I am much more than a simple name. Like all women, I am composed of many constructs such as, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, size, and shape. I am also charged and blessed with the opportunity to be a mother. I rock a cradle for two young individuals of immanent intellectual and personal prowess. I am the single mother of Ms. Kaylyn Johnson, college bound honor student, and Mr. Keegan Johnson, budding scholar and athlete.

Our collective journey has seen lots of unexpected and difficult changes, nevertheless it has been a beautiful ride. While going through life’s ups and downs, I am learning so much from my children. However, it is my greatest hope that I have been a role model that they are proud to call mom.

I am so excited to be a part of the first class of women competing in the Mississippi Plus America pageant!