195. Damon Johnson on LXI and Basketball

About the Guest:

Damon Johnson\ Damon Johnson is a former professional basketball player hailing from Johnson City. He has played for various international teams, including those in Iceland, Spain, Indonesia, and Chile. After a successful 15-year career, he returned to his hometown to give back to the community. Currently, Damon is the Executive Director of LXI, an after-school program focused on supporting underprivileged youth, particularly those dealing with trauma and mental health challenges. Damon's journey from a local athlete to a global basketball player and now a community leader demonstrates his commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of children in Johnson City.

Episode Summary:

In this episode, host Colin Johnson sits down with longtime friend and community leader Damon Johnson. It's a heartfelt conversation about growing up in Johnson City, the transformative power of basketball, and the importance of giving back. Damon details his journey from participating in local basketball teams to playing professionally overseas, and eventually, returning home to make a difference in his community.

Damon talks at length about his role as Executive Director at LXI, an after-school program centered around addressing trauma and mental health in youth. The discussion highlights LXI's unique approach, which diverges from traditional curriculum-based after-school programs by focusing more on mental health and providing a safe space for kids to express and deal with their trauma. Damon shares his future vision for LXI, including exciting partnerships and potential expansions aimed at providing even more resources to children in need.

Key Takeaways:

• Damon's Basketball Journey: His career spanned countries like Iceland, Spain, Indonesia, and Chile, ultimately shaping his perspective and bringing him back to his roots in Johnson City.
• LXI's Mission: The program is committed to dealing with trauma and mental health rather than adhering strictly to conventional curriculum-based activities.
• Future Plans for LXI: Exciting partnerships and community collaborations are in the works to ensure the nonprofit can reach more children and provide substantial resources.
• Community Impact: Damon emphasizes the importance of community support and collaboration to drive meaningful change in the lives of youth.
• Personal Stories: Damon shares anecdotes about his professional basketball career and his motivation to mentor and support kids through their struggles.

Notable Quotes:

1. "I don't think we can heal people at LXI, but we can start the process of healing."
2. "Kids in basketball just kept swirling in my mind. So I started TCF, which was a nonprofit basketball program."
3. "We really focus on mental health and trauma more than most after-school programs."
4. "Find somebody to talk to if you can't go through a therapist, find a support system that will challenge you."
5. "I think just go after it and be prepared to fail. Failure is just a way of learning."

Resources:

• Damon Johnson's Email: dash.m.o@movelxi.com
• LXI Website: Move LXI

Call to Action:

Explore this deep dive into Damon Johnson’s inspiring journey from professional basketball to community leadership. Learn about the transformative work being done at LXI and how addressing trauma and mental health can significantly impact the lives of underprivileged youth. Tune in and be inspired to make a positive difference in your own community! Stay tuned for more insightful episodes from the Colin and Carter Group.