This monodrama performance is part of the Intellectuals and decolonization in Palestine/Israel conference.

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“Never Had a Friend” with Micah Johnson, assistant professor of mental health law & policy, University of South Florida

Micah Johnson performs a breathtaking memoir monologue titled “Never Had a Friend.” The talk describes his experiences with homelessness as a child and how he learned the meaning of friendship and the value of artistic expressions. The piece features diverse types of performance art, including lecture, drama, comedy, poetry, and storytelling. Johnson delivers a captivating lesson on trauma, race, poverty, and the power of friendship to foster resilience. He hopes the talk will help foster support and compassion for disadvantaged children.

Micah E. Johnson is a sociologist trained in criminology and psychiatric epidemiology. He serves as an assistant professor in the Department of Mental Health Law & Policy at the University of South Florida. Johnson’s research centers around childhood trauma, behavioral health, and juvenile justice. 

This performance will be followed by a discussion with Noura Erakat, Cynthia Young, and Alex Lubin.