Look Who it Was Random video

Devonric Johnson at TEDxSMU 2013

2,430 views · Published 25 November 2013 · 12:53 · Indexed 10 October 2026

Channel: TEDx Talks · 2013 · Nonprofits & Activism

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Devonric (DD) Johnson was born in Dallas, Texas on APRIL 12, 1990 DD lived with his great Aunt,
Mary Holloway until the age of 13. While living with his Aunt he endured an unbelievable hardship of
severe poor living conditions which ultimately lead to him living on the street. Although his home life
was in turmoil he was always an "A" student. While running the streets he eventually become part of
gang and came very close to being locked up in the Texas Youth Correctional Facility until he was 18,
when one of football teammates, Sterling, reached out and convinced his parents, Charlie Harris and
JAMIE RUNNING of Terrell, TX, a small town east of Dallas, to adopt him. Under the care of HIS
ADOPTED PARENTS. he became a model citizen and student. He was on the National Honor Society,
Who's Who Among American High School Students, President of Peer Mediation Group, Vice
President of student body, had all honor classes and took college credits at the local community
college. Devonric not only excelled in the classroom but also in athletics. He was the Captain of the
football team, All-Disctrict, All-Area, All-State, and an All-American. He graduated from Terrell High
School in the top 5% of his class in 2007 and earned a full football scholarship to Southern
Methodist University (Dallas, TX). While at SMU, Devonric suffered a career ending injury while
playing football. This gave he them time to become a very active theatre arts participant in the SMU
Meadows Theatre School. During this time he got scouted for modeling which he pursued together
with acting. Devonric graduated from SMU with a Bachelors of Art in Economics and Finance and
chose a career in the entertainment industry while making it a priority to volunteer for community
programs. The Boys and Girls Club of Dallas, YMCA of Dallas, Jonathan's Place Emergency Shelter,
the Fashion Lab for the New Orleans Center of Creative Arts, Inspired Steps and Discovery are the
programs that have given him the opportunity to give back to the community. These outlets fuel his
passion for helping others while always reminding him of where he came from and how other people
reached to give him a chance to succeed in life.

About TEDx:
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

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