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Bringing Systems Thinking to Congress- An Interview with Lacy Lee Johnson- Episode 464

On this episode of Blunt Force Truth, Chuck and Mark are joined by Lacy Lee Johnson. Lacy is running for the United States Senate in Minnesota’s fifth congressional district, which is currently being helped by Democrat Ilhan Omar.

Chuck and Mark kick off the interview by asking more about Lacy’s upbringing and what obstacles he’s faced being an African American Republican. Lacy shares how he has been able to have positive conversations and even received support from lifelong Democrats.

They continue their conversation by hearing Lacy’s plans if he is able to win the seat. He explains that he wants to focus on the issues his district faces and how he hopes to create a model for the rest of the nation. Chuck and Mark also hear about Lacy’s views on major issues that are at the front of the political debate today.

More about Lacy Lee Johnson:

Lacy Lee Johnson has been a resident of North Minneapolis for over 40 years. He believes the community and its people are among the best in Minnesota.

He was born in Natchez, MS where his mom, dad, and elders raised him, his six sisters and three brothers. Though times were economically challenging, Lacy had “a perfect childhood” and “the best public-school education.”

Lacy has been married to his wife, Betty, for 30 years with whom they raised two sons, Darien and Adrian.

After studies in pre-med, math, and English at the University of Minnesota, he began an over 40-year career in information technology, systems development, and engineering as a technical writer at Hennepin County MN. Lacy subsequently enrolled at Brown Institute and completed studies in Computer Programming.

Lacy has worked for Control Data, General Electric, Bell Atlantic, and Northwest Airlines in engineering, project management, and management building computer systems for fighter jets, torpedoes, air reconnaissance systems, guided missiles, and airport kiosks. He also worked as an IT solutions consultant for Xcel Energy.

Lacy has served as founder, partner, and CEO of three small businesses dedicated to the economic development, technology training, and education within inner city communities: Uniworld Business Systems, UrbanEd LLC, and currently Young Entrepreneurs of America (YEA!).

Lacy also wrote, produced, and hosted a weekly radio show, “The Flipside,” which provided news, entertainment, and commentary on current events.

Lacy served as start-up coordinator and interim director of New Salem Elementary Charter School dedicated to closing the so-called achievement gap in education. He relied on the experience in the Natchez school system to ensure love, high expectations, and ultimately the successful education of economically challenged children of color.

As program director at Hospitality House Youth Directions, Lacy oversaw its after school programs for inner city youth and its outreach programs for gang members.

He has also served as a trustee of New Salem Missionary Baptist Church and as a volunteer speaker for Amicus prison outreach program.

He is currently Polemarch (i.e., president) of the Bloomington-Richfield Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.

Connect with Lacy Lee Johnson:

Website: LacyJohnson.com

Twitter: @LacyJohnsonMN

Facebook: Friends of Lacy Johnson

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