A native of Chicago’s South Side, Nancy Johnson worked for more than a decade as an Emmy-nominated, award-winning television journalist at CBS and ABC. More recently, she’s the author of The Kindest Lie and her latest novel, People of Means. On today’s show, Annmarie and Nancy discuss the call to activism, and what makes some people enter the fight for racial justice while others step away. This show also covers family history and how important it is to record ancestral stories before they are lost forever.

Episode Sponsors

Da Book Joint – A Black woman-owned business born on the Southside of Chicago, and committed to literary growth and positive engagement of young people. Da Book Joint is a bookstore created with the purpose of uniting lovers of literature with diverse bestselling and rising authors. We’ve been in operation since 2007 and we’ve developed a thriving community where readers can easily purchase books they love and come together with like-minded individuals through virtual and in-person literary events. Stop by or shop online at dabookjoint.com.

The Lynx – A new general-interest bookstore in Gainesville, Florida, with an emphasis on books that are currently challenged or banned in Florida. We especially seek to celebrate the voices of BIPOC and LGBTQ+ authors whose stories are among the most challenged titles, and to bring attention to the deep and radiant literary legacy of the Sunshine State. We believe in the power of books to build and foster communities, conversations, and change. A group of lynxes is a Watch. Please join our Watch today. And stop by or shop online at thelynxbooks.com.

Authors and Titles Mentioned in This Episode:

The Kindest Lie, by Nancy Johnson

People of Means, by Nancy Johnson

Follow Nancy Johnson:

Instagram: @NancyJAuthor

Twitter: @NancyJAuthor

Facebook: NancyJohnsonAuthor

nancyjohnson.net

Photo Credit: Nina Subin

**Writing Workshops and Wish Fulfillment:

If you liked this conversation and are interested in writing abroad, consider joining Annmarie and co-leader Athena Dixon for a writing retreat in Italy in September, 2025.

You can travel to a beautiful place, meet other wise women, and write your own stories. We’d love to help you make your wishes come true.

As of this moment, we only have 1 spot left. This will sell out. Act now and join us!

Or for women interested in an online Saturday morning writing circle, check out Annmarie’s webpage to learn more. 

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