Ben Johnson knows of racial prejudice, but believes America can do better

Memphis Redbirds manager grew up in Whitehaven, graduated Germantown High School

By , Daily Memphian Updated: May 31, 2020 6:35 AM CT | Published: May 31, 2020 4:00 AM CT
<strong>Memphis Redbirds manager Ben Johnson (far right) talks to his players during an April 8, 2019,&nbsp; game.</strong>&nbsp;<strong>Johnson, who is of mixed race, rides herd on a bunch of young players of every hue.</strong> (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian file)

Memphis Redbirds manager Ben Johnson (far right) talks to his players during an April 8, 2019, game. Johnson, who is of mixed race, rides herd on a bunch of young players of every hue. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian file)

Don Wade
Daily Memphian

Don Wade

Don Wade has been a Memphis journalist since 1998 and he has won awards for both his sports and news/feature writing. He is originally from Kansas City and is married with three sons.

The son of a black mother and a white father, Memphis Redbirds manager Ben Johnson grew up in Whitehaven and Germantown with a foot in both worlds. Even after recent events in Minneapolis, he hasn't lost hope for a more civilized America. 

Topics

Ben Johnson George Floyd Memphis Redbirds

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