UC Davis

June 11, 2008

Letter of Recommendation for Mr. Rayford Johnson

Mr. Rayford Johnson is a man of many talents. He is not only a youth counselor working at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation but also an ordained minister, published author, photographer, and cultural critic. For these reasons, in March of 2008, I invited Mr. Johnson to give a lecture to my undergraduate class, “Race and Juvenile Justice,” which I taught at UC Davis in the winter of 2008, on his experiences in working with youth of color. In response, Mr. Johnson provided a stimulating and interactive presentation on the role of the media – music in particular – and its influence on young people today. His presentation consisted of lecture, music video and audio clips, and a short documentary/dramatization (produced by Mr. Johnson and several inmates) of life inside juvenile corrections.

Overall students enjoyed his presentation and perspective and appreciated Mr. Johnson’s style of speaking. Most found him to be engaging and accessible. Others praised his ability to speak to issues that are relevant to them and that affect them on a daily basis. Though he is a preacher, they did not sense he was “preaching” to them but rather showing them an alternative way in which to view the role of media in young people’s lives. Ultimately, they gained significant insight on a topic few had really considered relevant to their lives.

Like the students, I also came away with a greater appreciation of youth of color and some of the challenges they face in and outside the correctional system. I believe it is important to have people such as Mr. Johnson talk about the kind of work that they do and to show others a world largely unknown to the average citizen about youth and corrections today. His insight and experience is extremely valuable if we desire to have real change in the lives of young people today and in the larger society.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Miroslava Chavez-Garcia

Associate Professor, UC Davis

chavezgarcia@ucdavis.edu

Solano Middle School-Vallejo, California

To Whom it May Concern,

I am writing this letter on behalf of Rayford Johnson. Ray has been a speaker at our school numerous times. We incorporated Ray’s Speaking into our Life Skills unit, as well as, having him speak at an assembly.

Ray has a very captivating speaking style, which kept our middle school students attentive and interested. Ray uses his experience with incarcerated youth and an outstanding Power Point presentation to deliver his message.

Ray spoke about the influence of media and music on our youth and how it affects their life choices. Ray illustrated that when youth are constantly exposed to negative images in music and videos, they are more prone to make negative choices. Ray exposed the subliminal messages of Hip-Hop music and demonstrated how to rise above them.

Ray is always a welcome guest at our school. He presents a positive and spiritually uplifting message to the students. I would highly recommend Ray Johnson as a future speaker at our school or any other venue where teens are involved.

Sincerely,

Steven Boche

Solano Middle School

P.E. Department Chairman

Athletic Director