Troy Johnson

Once weighing 475 lbs. and diagnosed with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, pre-diabetes, fluid on the joints, and an enlarged heart, resilience, confidence, perseverance and strength were all words that came at a cost, which saved his life. After losing over 275 lbs. and transforming his mind, body and spirit, Troy now uses his story of growing up in a single-parent home, being obese and facing adversity as a way to inspire the young and the young at heart to live a life of purpose and meaning.  

After high school, Troy climbed the ranks as a Merchant Seaman working on cargo/fuel/ammunition vessels and falling in love with world travel. During this chapter of his life, Troy traveled to five of seven continents, visiting destinations such as Ireland, Norway, Dubai, Djibouti, and Singapore. These experiences helped Troy become more culturally astute and see the world from a different lens. 

Troy is a success coach for individuals struggling with weight transformation, confidence and mental instability, and has written a children’s book to inspire respect, diversity and positive conversations in our youth.  

Troy currently serves as the Executive Director for the nonprofit YM4C – Young Men 4 Christ. YM4C empowers, educates and equips young men aged 7-17 with life skills, SEL training and character development workshops.  

Troy also serves as an Executive Producer of The Bro Code, a television show and platform that promotes the humane side of humanity by highlighting people with courageous stories, gifts and talents.  

Q & A – Getting to Know You

What does Black excellence mean to you?

When I think of Black excellence, I think of so many things… royalty, standing tall, walking IN purpose and ON purpose, secure in WHO you are and WHOSE you are. It’s being a KING (kind, intelligent, noble, and a go getter), a birthright of greatness, standard of extraordinary valor, poise, grace, and strength. It’s multidimensional talents, spirit of undoubted dopeness - an identity if you will.

What would you tell your 15-year-old self?

• Don’t limit yourself. Don’t dim your light. Learn to use your potential. 
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help or be vulnerable. Listening should be your biggest tool of communication. 
• Be curious and open to learn. 
• Follow your heart.
   

What was the last song you heard and/or book you read?

• Positive Affirmations for Black Men by Alexandra Adams
  Understanding how to engage in positive self-talk and learning how to celebrate ourselves through our words and actions just as we do for others, particularly folks in service.
• Free Mind by Tems
  This song is full of positive affirmations. Using music as an opportunity to fill my cup with happiness and joy before I enter a world that can easily challenge or deplete those things.
   

What is a quote that resonates with you?

It’s always hard to pick one, so the three I chose tie together very closely.

Bob Marley once said, “The greatness of a man is not how much wealth he has but his ability to affect those around him in a positive way.”

Muhammed Ali once said, “Service is the rent that we pay for our space on Earth.”

Last but certainly not least, I must pay homage to my grandfather who was quite wise and lived until 101. He said “It feels good when you do good.” All of these quotes speak to service which at the heart of me that's the heart of what it is that I do is from a space of a servant.

What are you most proud of?

One is my weight loss journey. There was a time several years ago that I was 475 pounds. After my gastric bypass surgery, my body was given another opportunity to live life. I am grateful for the opportunity to reach different milestones in my life as I enhance my personal and physical wellness. Another was being able to find and walk into my life’s purpose.

​​How can folks connect to you?

Currently, our greatest need is to continue to build transformational relationships and that only happens through conversation, so you can reach us at 919-714-9905 or ym4c.org