By Sharon C. Jenkins
In a world where adversity can often define a person, Dr. Luckett Johnson chose to let it refine him in- stead. From the humble beginnings of rural Missis- sippi to the halls of medical academia, Dr. Johnson’s life is a testament to survival, perseverance, and the unwavering will to make a difference. His story, rich with history, hardship, and hope, is a powerful narrative of what it means to rise above your circum- stances while staying rooted in purpose.
A Name, A Beginning
Born weighing only three pounds, Dr. Johnson’s life began against steep odds. “My mother named me Luckett because I was lucky to live,” he explains. “I had to drink goat’s milk to survive, and my first bed was a shoebox—I was so small.” In a time when premature babies often didn’t survive, his life began with a miracle, one that instilled in him a deep appreciation for the very act of living.
Roots in Rural Mississippi
Growing up in rural Mississippi during the 1950s shaped Dr. Johnson’s identity in profound ways. The heart of blues country was filled with song, hardship, and resilience. From the age of seven, he worked in cotton fields, first as a water boy, walking miles to deliver water to laborers under the scorching sun. “That experience taught me that people depend on you to carry out your duties,” he says.
The land around him, scarred by dust storms and change, mirrored the societal upheaval of the era. The Great Migration was in motion, families leaving the South in search of better futures. Amid these winds of change, young Luckett found joy and purpose in tinkering with electronics. He repaired radios and televisions and developed a passion for understanding
how things worked. “I identify as a scientist,” he shares. “I wanted to use the environment to make life better. I was curious and confident in my ability to do anything I set my mind to.”
Echoes of the Freedom Riders
Among his most vivid childhood memories are the Freedom Riders who braved Mississippi’s roads to challenge segregation. “I was young, but I was impressed by their protest and also the danger they faced. It was a time of great pride but also great fear.” That experience planted a seed of awareness and social consciousness that would grow with him.
A Mother’s Influence
The greatest influence in Dr. Johnson’s life was his mother. A strong believer in education, she made it her mission to see all five of her children educated despite extreme poverty. “Survival was our daily challenge,” he recalls. “We didn’t have money. I had to wire my shoes together when they wore out and patch the same pair of pants over and over.”
The family often relied on government-issued commodities like flour, dried milk, and cheese. Even in these conditions, his mother’s insistence on education became a beacon that guided him through tough times and into greater opportunity.
Faith, Culture, and Critical Thought
Dr. Johnson credits his faith to belief in his own abilities. “I had faith that I could achieve whatever I wanted,” he says. That self-reliance, however, came with a critical view of the cultural norms he saw growing up. “For me, Black culture, as I saw it in my youth, was a hindrance. Too many were content to sit on the sidelines. That culture of survival made me want more—to insist on more.” His mind was opened further by reading and dedicated teachers who exposed him to possibilities far beyond the small farm of his upbringing.
Battling Discrimination in Academia
Despite his achievements, Dr. Johnson’s journey through higher education was fraught with racism and injustice. While attending Baylor College of Medicine, he was denied a course certificate because test administrators claimed not to recognize him as a student. In another instance, he was given an “Incomplete” in a genetics course because a professor questioned whether a paper he submitted was his own. “He agreed to re-test me, and I earned the second highest score in the class,” Dr. Johnson says. “Still, I was given only a ‘Pass’ rather than the ‘High Pass’ I deserved.” These experiences didn’t break him. Instead, they fueled his resolve to continue excelling and to break down barriers— not just for himself, but for others as well.
A Doctor with a Mission
Of all his accomplishments, Dr. Johnson is most proud of becoming a doctor. “It’s such a great opportunity to help people,” he says. His work has always been more than just a career—it’s a calling to alleviate suffering and to be a light in the often dark world of inequality and injustice. Even while battling a debilitating illness, his commitment to his community and his people remains steadfast. “I stay motivated because our people are still suffering. We thought we had overcome, only to face setbacks that threaten the lives and futures of our children and grandchildren. ThThey are my inspiration.”
Defining Success
For Dr. Johnson, success is simple: setting goals is simple: setting goals and achieving them. That same principle, he believes, should guide the Black community. “Success is about progress, about moving forward. Education is what our people need most right now.”
A Message to the Next Generation
Dr. Johnson has a clear message for young Black leaders: “The struggle never ends. You must keep pushing for high achievement, equal rights, voting equality, and justice. Be forever committed to doing what needs to be done, without waiting for a committee. Believe in the power of one.”
A Legacy of Persistence
Asked how he would like to be remembered, Dr. Johnson’s answer is profoundly humble yet deeply impactful: “He did his best. He always showed up.”
His story is one of fierce determination, intellect, and moral courage. It’s about rising from poverty and discrimination not just to survive, but to contribute meaningfully to the world. His life serves as a vivid reminder that while the journey may be filled with injustice and struggle, the power of persistence and purpose can shape a legacy that endures.
