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As Black History Month comes to an end, it’s important to recognize the talented black figures in our community who are leaders in their fields. Miami-Dade County is lucky to have one of these leaders, Marlon Johnson: a distinguished filmmaker who has been consistently contributing to the film scene.
Marlon Johnson may not be a name that all Miami residents know, but it is a name we should all learn. On November 4th, 2022, one of his five-part multimedia and live performances took audiences by storm. The Retrofit was cocreated by Johnson, during his time as an Artist-in-Residence at Deering Estate. Johnson, who is known for his work regarding cultural and societal issues, focused his exhibit on a discussion of the intersection of the arts, the natural environment, and the several social justice practices.
The entire piece took guests through different forms of expression. In fact, the inaugural event featured a showing of the 2022 film Sweet Soul and poetry readings by fellow Artist-In-Residence, Dr. Keshia Abraham. The entire exhibit, however, was a campaign to reimagine spaces and expressions with a general celebration regarding a shared foundation.
Sweet Soul recently made its worldwide debut in 2021 at the Miami Film Festival. Marlon Johnson created the film alongside filmmakers Chad Tingle and Dennis Scholl, centering on Helene Smith from the Deep City record label. The label was originally founded by Johnny Pearsall and Willie Clarke, becoming the first black-owned record label in Florida. Helene Smith was the first artist they recorded and after a 40-year hiatus, she returned to collaborate with producers Jason Joshua Hernandez and Andrew Yeomanson. Sweet Soul follows Smith through her return and overall creative process, reclaiming her throne as the “Queen of Miami Soul.”
Besides his recent project, Johnson also started his own production company. He named it “The Johnson Administration” and the whole reason he founded it was to further his passion, elevate the local film community, and form a creative collective. With this collective, Johnson is able to produce compelling and inspirational stories under his full artistic discretion. The main goal of The Johnson Administration, as he puts it, is to “engage, inspire, execute, then repeat.”
Even before his collective, Johnson was able to establish a name for himself. He began at the University of Miami, earning bachelor’s degrees in Anthropology and Communications, with a focus on Motion Pictures. Johnson also became an eleven-time Emmy award-winning producer and director.
Black History Month reminds us that there are hidden figures throughout all our communities. Thousands of black individuals constantly work to better scientific research, artistic outlets, and even social programs. Marlon Johnson is just one incredible example.
