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About Todd Johnson

Todd Johnson is the Chief Content Officer at theGrio.com. Todd first joined the site as a reporter and video journalist shortly after its launch in June, 2009. He’s covered a variety of important news events, including trips to Haiti reporting on the devastating earthquake, as well as several reports on the impact of Hurricane Katrina on New Orleans and Ferguson protests. He's previously served as theGrio's Managing Editor, as well as the Editorial Director for NBCBLK, a division of NBC News Digital. He is a graduate of Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, where he received both his bachelors and masters degree.

All Articles

June 2, 2014

Maya Angelou memorial service to take place Saturday at Wake Forest

theGRIO REPORT - Dr. Maya Angelou's life will be celebrated in a private memorial service on Saturday, according to Wake…
May 30, 2014

Denzel Washington gets spiritual with group of young actors

VIDEO - Denzel Washington has been a part of some extraordinarily inspiring moments on the big screen...
May 28, 2014

Flashback: President Obama awards Maya Angelou a Medal of Freedom

theGRIO VIDEO - On February 15, 2011, President Barack Obama awarded Dr. Maya Angelou's with America's highest civilian honor -…
May 28, 2014

Dr. Maya Angelou dead at 86

theGRIO REPORT -Dr. Maya Angelou has passed away according to Winston-Salem Allen Joines. She was 86...
May 14, 2014

Slave escape ship found in South Carolina harbor

VIDEO - Once thought to be lost forever, the wreckage of "The Planter," a Confederate ship used in a daring…
May 12, 2014

Donald Sterling: ‘I’m not racist’ interviews don’t work

OPINION - Clippers owner Donald Sterling wants America to know one thing: He is "not a racist." The declaration of…
May 8, 2014

Kevin Durant’s reputation well-established before MVP speech

SLIDESHOW - TheGrio has put together a list of five things about Kevin Durant that has left an indelible impression…
May 7, 2014

Michael Jordan racism quotes are from ’92 interview with ‘Playboy’

theGRIO REPORT- Those 'new' quotes from Michael Jordan aren't new at all, according to the author of a new biography…
April 29, 2014

He may be banned, but Donald Sterling still wins

OPINION - NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced Tuesday Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling has been banned for life and…
April 28, 2014

Clippers players will reportedly make bigger statement in Game 5

VIDEO - Clippers coach Doc Rivers said he wasn't sure his team would be returning to its normal "safe haven,"…
April 18, 2014

Report: NBA considering proposal to extend age limit

theGRIO REPORT - The one-and-dones of college basketball could soon be the 'three-and dones,' according to a report...
April 17, 2014

Isiah Thomas says all teams played like 'Bad Boys' Pistons

theGRIO REPORT - Isiah Thomas opens ESPN Films latest '30 for 30' doc Bad Boys with three words for anyone…
April 16, 2014

NCAA proposes unlimited meal plans for Division I athletes

theGRIO REPORT - NCAA officials announced Tuesday that its official Legislative Council had approved a new model which would grant…
April 15, 2014

Gabby Douglas returns to Iowa to train for 2016 Olympics

theGRIO REPORT - Can Gabby Douglas repeat her gold-medal glory from London in the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio? She's…
April 13, 2014

Nnamdi Asomugha spends retirement giving teens a college boost

theGRIO REPORT - It's still the offseason for retired NFL cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha. The 32-year-old former All-Pro announced his retirement…
April 9, 2014

Civil rights summit marks 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

VIDEO - The civil rights summit marks the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which outlawed discrimination…
April 8, 2014

Father and son get down to Pharrell's 'Happy' at NCAA Championship

VIDEO - Call it the game within the game - or maybe just a dance party. Rob Maiden was on…
April 8, 2014

UConn senior Shabazz Napier delivers strong message to the NCAA

theGRIO VIDEO - Shabazz Napier made sure he had everyone's attention following his team's NCAA Championship win Monday night against…
April 4, 2014

First look: New exhibits at National Civil Rights Museum

theGRIO SLIDESHOW - The leadership at the National Civil Rights Museum made a decision to give their exhibits a complete overhaul…
April 4, 2014

National Civil Rights Museum completes $27.5 million renovation

theGRIO VIDEO - The National Civil Rights Museum has completed a $27.5 million renovation and will re-open to the public…