A Memphis Redemption

It’s not often that you’re given the opportunity to stand up for your fellow man; to walk alongside a friend when tragedy strikes. But as a teacher of the University of Memphis, I can’t just sit here and watch something like this happen to one of my students, to one of our fellow Memphians.

The young man you see in this video is one of the most impressive people I’ve ever known. His name is Kedren Johnson. You might recognize him from his story in the paper of how the star Memphis basketball player had decided to make a play for a life in the music world and was betting it all on making his first independent record. Well, what they left out of that article was how Kedren was managing not only his basketball career, but his school, work and a family. And he did it all with a passion and devotion that’s hard to come by in guys his age.

Despite Kedren’s remarkable athleticism, he had decided to do the impossible. He was going to pursue his greatest passion - music. With half the world trying to talk him out of it, Kedren and his family moved into a new apartment and with what money they could scrape together he built a home studio to produce his first solo album.

And that’s why I’m here. That’s why I’m reaching out on behalf of this incredible young man.

On thursday night, Kedren’s home was robbed and he and his family have been devastated. Along with their valuables, Kedren has been robbed of his studio equipment and his chance at pursuing his dream.

I know this young man and his family, and to watch this happen to such good people has broken my heart. But I also know that in the midst of tragedy there is always a chance for redemption.

That’s why I have created this gofundme for Kedren and his family. I want to show them that Memphis stands behind them, that we will not give up on them and that Kedren doesn’t have to give up on his dreams.

I believe with all my heart that just with a $5 donation, we as a community can rebuild this family to more than they had before. I believe that we can turn a tragic crime in Memphis into a story of what a community can do when we come together. Thank you for believing in this young man.

And thank you so much for your help. God bless.

Also.. 
If anyone out there has any recording equipment, music gear, or instruments to donate..  Kedren is starting over from nothing and would accept anything.  Please message me and we will arrange to come pick it up from you.