The Relaunched Echo's May 2025 Celebrity Spotlight's On: Movie & TV Producer Mr. Charles Floyd Johnson, Co-Author of "A Gathering of Voices."
- Karen Brittingham-Edmond
- May 27
- 9 min read
May 27, 2025
Celebrity Interview
The Echo, New Jersey's oldest Black-owned newspaper, is thrilled to feature Mr. Charles Floyd Johnson, a visionary artist and esteemed movie and TV producer. Mr. Johnson, co-author of "A Gathering of Voices," shares the resilience of cultural icons who have captivated mainstream America. A proud Army veteran and Howard University graduate, his notable productions include The Rockford Files, Quantum Leap, Red Tails, and the John Lewis documentary, Get In The Way! Johnson's legacy continues to inspire. https://longwoodwritersworkshop.com/AGovPress/
Born in Camden, New Jersey, and raised in Middletown, Delaware, Mr. Johnson joined us at Echo News TV LLC to share his life story, passions, and reflections on the Black church. His journey exemplifies faith, perseverance, and community strength. We invite our readers to engage with this inspiring narrative. Charles Floyd Johnson's story is a testament to determination and resilience: As he reflects on his life, he contemplates, “How he got over?” offering hope, wisdom, and courage. May this interview uplift your spirit and remind you that with faith, determination, and unity, any obstacle can be overcome.
Karen Echo News TV LLC:
Good afternoon Mr. Johnson! As a native son of Camden, New Jersey, what are some of your fondest memories of growing up there. And were there any “hidden rules” you learned early on about navigating the city’s racial climate?
Charles Floyd Johnson "A Gathering of Voices"
Thank you, Karen. I am so glad you made reference in your question regarding my childhood in Camden, as to how the Civil Rights Movement and the Black Church influenced my life. I was born at Cooper Medical Center in Camden, but I only lived
there until the age of two years old. My family then moved to Middletown Delaware but because a lot of our family resided in both Lawnside NJ and Middletown Delaware both areas enriched plus nurtured my life as child as well as a teenager.
Karen Echo News TV LLC:
Why do you believe it’s important to have Black representation not just on stage and screen, but also behind the scenes as producers, writers, and even the folks holding the boom mic?
Charles Floyd Johnson:
Karen, the significance of Black representation in media cannot be overstated. Before
I entered the field in the 1970's, I earned both my undergraduate and Juris Doctor degrees
from Howard University, finishing law school in 1965. In 1971, I left the East Coast for
California, where I began my journey at Universal Studios as a mailroom clerk. Little
did I know that this move would be the catalyst for my long career in television and film
production, a path I am deeply grateful to have taken. Being able to authentically
represent my culture and advocate for the inclusion of Black stories in media has been
both a profound honor and an important responsibility.
My experiences, shaped by witnessing both subtle and overt forms of racial discrimination during the 1950s, 60s, and beyond, have underscored the importance of our presence in this industry. Holding positions that allow me to spotlight the challenges and triumphs of Black Americans in a segregated society has enabled me to share essential truths. Offering all audiences a deeper understanding of the joys, potential, struggles, and resilience within our community. That is why, Karen, I firmly believe that Black representation, both on screen and behind the scenes in film and television--is not just important, but essential. Our voices, perspectives, and creative talents enrich the industry and ensure that our stories are told with authenticity and depth.
Karen Echo News TV LLC:
The Black church is often called the heart of the community. What role did the Black Church play in your childhood, and do you have any favorite church memories--maybe even a funny one?
Charles Floyd Johnson's answer:
Growing up, the Black church was a cornerstone of my family's life and my personal development. As a child and later a teenager, I was deeply rooted in the African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) tradition, regularly attending two or three services on Sunday at Trinity A.M.E. Church in Middletown, Delaware. My grandfather, who served as pastor, fostered a vibrant community that extended beyond our congregation, building strong ties with other A.M.E. churches in Middletown, DE., Camden, N.J., as well as communities in Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and New York. From an early age, I was entrusted with meaningful responsibilities, serving as the pianist for both Sunday School and church services. These gatherings were filled with passionate preaching and soul-stirring choirs, creating an atmosphere that truly lifted our spirits and brought us closer to the divine. I never thought I was much of a piano player as a child and teenager at church (LOL.) But I got the basic job done. I found structure, discipline, and unwavering faith instilled in me through these invaluable experiences.
The Black church provided a nurturing environment where I gained confidence, a strong sense of identity, and a deep-rooted faith that has guided plus protected me throughout my life. It is a profound loss that so many young children and people today are missing out on this vital foundation. In a world that often misunderstands and marginalizes Black communities, the traditional Black church remains a powerful source of support, guidance, and affirmation. An investment in our youth that is more important now than ever.
Karen, Echo News TV LLC:
I completely agree. How did your family view or participate in the Civil Rights and Black Panther movements? Did those times spark any lively dinner table debates?
Charles Floyd Johnson: Absolutely! Those were powerful times. I graduated from Howard University, the same place where Stokely Carmichael, who famously coined the phrase “Black Power." Stokely is credited with being one of the founders of the Black Power Movement, and I was fortunate enough to attend Howard University at the same time, during the 1960's. The Black Panther and Civil Rights' movements brought many issues to the forefront, so that as students, we could address them. Stokely was a major force in the Civil Rights Movement. At Howard, he majored in philosophy and got deeply involved with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, (also known as SNCC.) We were right there on the front lines of the Civil Rights Movement. The Civil Rights Movement helped make me into the person I am today.
On a side note: My family, whether in Camden, New Jersey or Delaware, was very much pro–Civil Rights Movement. We all understood that Black citizens had been denied rights, resources, and protections for far too long, and that was simply unacceptable. My parents supported the movement in their own way, maybe a bit more low-key than my peers and me but always supportive. Still waters run deep. As a college graduate, I felt a responsibility, along with my friends, to push for real change, especially when it came to voting rights and getting fair-minded, leaders into office.
The influence of both the Civil Rights and Black Panther movements was huge for me. They opened my eyes to the struggles and the strength of our people. That perspective helped me later on, when I had the privilege of producing the first documentary on Congressman John Lewis, called Get In the Way, a title inspired by Lewis's famous call to “Get In Good Trouble.”
Those are phrases if you were around Congressman Lewis, you would hear him use all the time. Spending time with Congressman Lewis was an honor, and I truly believe that my experiences at Howard and my appreciation for the Black church prepared me for that work. Most Black parents I knew were supportive of the Civil Rights Movement, even if they weren’t always out front their work behind the scenes spoke for itself. My peers and I saw both movements as essential. not just for our generation, but for the future of Black children everywhere. (Learn more: https://interviews.televisionacademy.com/shows/john-lewis-get-in-the-way ).
Karen, Echo News TV LLC:
Where were you when you heard about the assassinations of Malcolm X and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.? How did those moments impact you personally?
Charles Floyd Johnson:
Those were truly heartbreaking times. Malcom X and Rev. Martin Luther King. Jr. were our North Stars. I was in Law School in Washington, D.C. when Malcom X was assassinated in 1965, and was living and working there when we lost Dr. King in 1968. Both events shook me to my core, as they did so many in our community and across the nation. I graduated from Law School in 1965 and was immediately drafted during the Vietnam War. Because of my legal
education, I ended up serving as a Defense Counsel for an Army Courts and Boards Division at Fort Dix, New Jersey. After my military service, I moved to Washington, D.C. and joined the U.S. Copyright Office as a copyright lawyer during the mid to late 60s till 1971. It was during this period that both Malcolm and Dr. King were taken from us.
The pain and sorrow that swept through our communities in Delaware, New Jersey, and beyond was profound. These losses left a deep wound, not just for Black Americans, but for the entire country. Yet, even in the midst of that grief, I found the strength to take a step of faith. By 1971, I relocated to California, starting out in the Universal Studios mailroom. That time was cathartic for me. Despite the devastation, I pursued my passion for the arts, taking acting and film classes while working at Universal. Being able to perform in local theater and participate in film and television projects became a way for me to process and channel my emotions. I drew inspiration from those who came before me--my parents, my grandparents, and leaders like El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz (Malcolm X) and Rev Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Their courage and vision gave me hope and purpose, even in the face of such injustice. Their legacy continues to influence not only my work, but also my outlook on life. I truly appreciate you, Karen, for giving me the opportunity to share my perspective. This period was marked by both immense pride in the fight for Black rights and deep mourning for the loss of leaders who shaped not only Black culture, but the conscience of America as a whole.
Karen Echo News TV LLC
Thank you, Mr. Johnson, for that touching share. What are your thoughts on how "A Gathering of Voices" could tackle contemporary challenges and motivate the new generation to achieve success?
Charles Floyd Johnson:
Let me tell you. 'A GATHERING OF VOICES' is more than just a book; it's a living, breathing celebration of African American stories. We met bi-monthly
to work and constructively criticize each other's writing contributions. There were times when I wasn't sure if I was among friends or foes (Johnson
laughs.) But, ultimately, we found ourselves surrounded by a circle of Black professionals and friends who brought their whole selves to the table; and we shared laughter, tears, faith, and wisdom, all qualities which allowed us to become seasoned survivors. We didn't just write; we testified. Ourstories are down-to-earth, sometimes funny, always honest, and we hope that
they reach out and touch anyone who's ever needed a little hope or a hearty laugh.
I also shared my experience of surviving pancreatic cancer. African Americans have a higher incidence of that cancer compared to any other racial group in the United States. So facing it was a severe challenge for me. In the end, what makes this Anthology special is how it weaves together the everyday and the extraordinary.
We leaned on God's grace and many mentors like Phylicia Rashad, whose example-as a Dean of the Howard University School of Arts-inspired us, and whose Foreword to the book provided us with her much-needed wisdom. With every chapter, you’ll find a piece of our journey: the struggles we’ve faced, the victories we’ve claimed, and the lessons we’ve learned along the way. Whether you’re reading in a church book club, a college classroom, or your own living room, I believe these stories will resonate, uplift, and remind you that with faith, humor, and community, we can get over anything. That’s how we got over, and that’s the spirit we hope to pass on. https://www.projectpurple.org/highlighting-statistical-disparities-faced-by-black-pancreatic-cancer-patients/#:~:text=African%20Americans%20have%20a%20higher,incidence%20in%20other%20racial%20groups.
Karen Echo News TV LLC
I can't wait to read this book!
A heartfelt thank you to Mr. Charles Floyd Johnson for allowing the relaunched Echo--New Jersey’s oldest Black-owned newspaper, the honor of sharing this heartwarming and positive Black culture interview. Your insights and spirit have truly uplifted our readers and community. We look forward to supporting and purchasing “A Gathering of Voices,” the inspiring new anthology from the Longwood Writers Workshop, featuring a foreword by the legendary Phylicia Rashad. It has been a privilege to feature you, celebrated film and television producer, author, and proud Camden, NJ native, in this special Echo Press celebrity interview. Thank you for continuing to shine a light on the power and beauty of our stories.
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