Becoming Lion: An Exploration of Mentorship and the Quest for Identity

By Daon McLarin Johnson

In the pages of “Becoming Lion” prepare to embark on a transformative journey through the powerful narratives of fifteen diverse authors. This captivating anthology delves deep into the intersection of mentoring and identity formation, emerging with an intricately woven tapestry of personal growth, discovery, and transformation. In each chapter, you will find yourself immersed in the unique life-experiences of champions who have been profoundly impacted by the generative power of mentorship.  From tales of triumph over adversity to moments of deep, intensive reflection, “Becoming Lion” offers an intimate glimpse into the hearts of individuals navigating the complexities of identity and actualization. Discover the courage and resilience required to confront prohibitive social expectations, overcome limiting beliefs, and embrace authentic self-efficacy. Each author’s voice adds a distinct layer to the collective narrative, painting a portrait of shared experiences that celebrates the beauty of diversity and the strength found in mentorship. “Becoming Lion” is a testament to the triumphs and struggles encountered on the journey to maturity. It serves as a source of inspiration, offering guidance and wisdom to readers of all backgrounds who are navigating their own paths toward self-realization. Prepare to be moved, uplifted, and inspired as you embark on this remarkable expedition through the pages of “Becoming Lion.”

• Language: English
• Publisher: Outskirts Press
• Release date: May 5, 2024
• ISBN: 9781977274717

Daon McLarin Johnson

Daon McLarin Johnson’s leadership portfolio is bursting with life-changing testimonies from numerous professionals across the United States and globally.  Over the last twenty-five years, Johnson has established a reputation that personifies his exemplary commitment to the success of his peers and protégés.  An influential mentor to those in his community and beyond, Daon strives to leave a legacy and a footprint upon the hearts of everyone he encounters.       Born in Baltimore, Daon is the son of a trailblazing community activist and a life-long educator.  Under the watchful eye of the late Willie Charles and Helen McLarin Johnson, Daon was brought up to understand the importance of family, community, cultural heritage, generational wealth, equitable access, incessant personal growth, and continuous professional development.  These powerful values have provided both the foundation and the impetus for Johnson’s professional career.  A product of Maryland Public Schools, he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Clemson University, a Master of Arts degree in Practical Theology from Oral Roberts University, and an Executive Certificate in Financial Management from Johns Hopkins’s Carey Business School.      A certified life coach, Johnson has dedicated his life to educating, empowering, and equipping emerging leaders. Leveraging his years of experience as an educator, athletic director, Dean of Students, executive director, consultant, and business analyst across diverse organizations, Daon McLarin Johnson’s latest book, entitled The Art of Effective Mentoring, was written to prove a guiding tool for individuals and organizations that desire to use the various modes of mentoring to leverage human capital.  The ground-breaking and informative book is structured to enlighten its readers on the critical importance of mentoring, ways to start and build a mentorship program, and best practices in establishing a lasting impact that leaves a legacy.       Beyond his love for mentoring and creative writing, Daon is also recognized for his engaging and impactful keynote addresses speaking in numerous private and public functions on effective leadership, financial management, and mentorship.  Often referencing his first book, The Legend of Kondoo, Johnson utilizes the powerful story of a young lion raised by sheep to explicate the many principles of effective leadership.      Daon currently serves as Regional Manager – DC Metro Market for MENTOR Maryland | DC where he leverages his business-driven objectives, community engagement, and commitment to personal and professional leadership development.  

Book preview

Becoming Lion

An Exploration of Mentorship and the Quest for Identity

All Rights Reserved.

Copyright © 2024 Daon McLarin Johnson

v3.0

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Praise For

BECOMING LION

Becoming Lion

is a one of the most formidable contributions to the field of mentorship, specifically as it relates to identity, that I have come across over my years of research and practice. This text is an enriched bricolage of dedicated professionals who have contributed, in radical practice, to the enhancement of mentorship in a variety of contexts and situations. Because of the rich cultural perspectives offered by this work, readers will be made aware of the promises and pitfalls of mentoring, particularly in this current era of necessitating and prioritizing relational intelligence and community. Becoming Lion is rightly positioned within the tradition of written expression that explores and illuminates ideas from a diverse range of reflective practitioners, community leaders, and interested individuals who are serious about the implications of mentoring and who are dedicated to solutions-based mental models of either finding or rediscovering one’s comprehension for this significant field, particularly through the depth and quality of narrative exposition.

Dr. Brandon C.S. Wallace

Professor, Interim Collegewide Chair

Montgomery College

"Becoming Lion"

is a wonderful liturgical exploration of inspired readings that will help one navigate to new levels of excellence in life!

Wherever you may be in your life journey, this masterfully crafted work of art will help you get there in exceptional fashion.

Jamie T. Pleasant; Ph.D.

Dean of Graduate Education

Clark Atlanta University

"With all that our ancestors had to overcome, often with few or no mentors who possessed the experience or skills to guide them, they did an extraordinary job of getting us to where we are today.

Many of our ancestors had to fight battles that are unimaginable to those of us who came after them. Because of them, we had mentors who guided us to the next level of accomplishment.

With whatever success we have, it is our duty to be mentors to others and share our experiences as the writers in Becoming Lion have done. What they have shared allows the readers to become motivated to do even greater things. Additionally, all of us have a responsibility to be mentors for others so that they can cover even greater ground than we have.

Becoming Lion is an excellent example of showing the value of mentoring and helping our people to become even more than they initially dreamed they could be."

Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq.

H.E. Ambassador and President/CEO Emerita

National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc.

"Becoming Lion is truly a gift to the world! Daon and his contributors have unlocked the necessity and process of mentoring through their transparent life stories, which open up how our paths in life are full of opportunities to be mentored and ways we can mentor others. As we all know, the most important part of a relay race is the successful passing of the baton from one runner to the next; Becoming Lion reminds us that mentoring is the baton where the wisdom of life, sustaining encouragement, and equipping for success happens. Thank you Daon for sharing your gift with us, yet again."

Jonathan Maddox, MFT

Family, Youth and Children Mental Health Supervisor

City of Berkely, California

"If we are to contribute to the betterment of humankind, pouring into the next generation of leaders is of the utmost importance. Becoming Lion offers readers fresh, unique perspectives associated with the invaluable art of mentorship, which are sure to propel leaders forward on their quest of maximizing mentor-mentee relationships."

Joshua Templeton, CPA

Senior Practice Accountant

OneOncology

"Becoming Lion is a phenomenal literary framework that births ingenuity and inspiration within our next generation of leaders. Becoming Lion builds off the ideals and principles that leadership demands and requires a willingness to serve. Readers will be drawn to evaluate and elevate their own convictions in pursuit of their individual greatness. Becoming Lion aids in the maturation of our young people by placing a spotlight on the value and impact of mentoring. Becoming Lion interweaves remarkable storytelling to highlight the significance as to how giving back moves us forward. Well done indeed."

Bruce D. Edwards, Esq.

Author of The 14 Virtues of the Good Father

Kappa League Chair - Bowie/Mitchellville (MD) Alumni Chapter

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

"Becoming Lion is a series of essays filled with PRIDE! Brilliantly approached, the author, Daon, provides Phenomenal Readings of Integral and Diverse Exploration of mentoring through the eyes and voices of the lived experiences of persons throughout Lion mentoring Kingdom. Anyone or any organization interested in understanding the impact of mentoring on the varying spectrum would do themselves a great service accessing this project."

Carmen Poston-Farmer Travis, Ed.D.

CEO, Founder

Breathe.Live.Overcome.Win.LLC

"Becoming Lion" beautifully illustrates the power of mentoring and its ability to inspire and empower individuals to reach their fullest potential. Through the examples shared by mentors and mentees, the book vividly showcases the profound impact and importance of such relationships. This transformative process is expertly captured within its pages, providing readers with a wealth of knowledge and boundless inspiration.

André Sylvester

United States Navy Veteran/ Mentor

Becoming Lion documents and analyzes powerful, authentic narratives of mentorship and gives us a window into mentoring at its purest and finest. These true accounts and reflections not only convey the power of mentoring to transform lives, but also expresses how one’s identity is formed through the giving and receiving of mentorship. When we tell our stories and own our narratives, magic happens. Becoming Lion is a gift to the mentoring field and is an excellent example of the role storytelling plays in our lives as well as in the mentoring movement.

Dr. Elizabeth Santiago

CEO and Founder

The Untold Narratives

"This anthology of essays bears witness to the importance of mentorship in creating leaders in our communities and throughout the world. No one would be where we are without the mentors we have had throughout life. This anthology gives us insight into leadership, discipline, compassion, and grace from real world mentors to help everyone become the leader and in turn mentor we are dutifully responsible to be."

Paul Seneker

Senior Financial Advisor

Raymond James

"I really loved the many different stories found within this book! Throughout their narratives, not only were the many contributors able to share each of their unique experiences, they also all took the time to discuss the importance of mentorship and leadership and how those realities shaped who they are today. I found myself resonating with a different aspect of each story that was shared, and I am motivated to continue on my own, personal journey as a result."

Chad Van De Griek

Author and Graduate Student

Lee University

"If you want inspiration in your journey as a mentor or mentee, this book is for you! After over 40 years of being a healthcare leader, mentee and informal and formal mentor and including many years of serving on a regional advisory board for a national mentorship program, I strongly endorse Becoming Lion as breath of fresh air for us all. Mentorship is a foundational element of a thriving community or a successful organization. Without mentorship, the exchange of information, knowledge and wisdom is severely limited. Becoming Lion is a book of very personal essays from many extraordinary but relatable individuals that offers powerful stories, valuable life lessons, deep revelations, exploration and self-reflection opportunities. I highly recommend this great book as a celebration of the power of the mentor-mentee relationship that will hearten and encourage many on the journey."

Benita McLarin, PhD, SM, MHA, FACHE

Retired Director, Health & Human Services,

County of Marin California

Lieutenant Colonel (Retired),

United States Army Medical Service Corps

Each essay contributes to the rich tapestry of our lives, offering lessons, memories, and moments of inspiration. It’s truly remarkable how our experiences and the people we encounter along the way help shape the person we become. Read it. Share it and learn from this inspiring collection!

Marcus Strother

Executive Director

MENTOR California

Becoming Lion has been an extraordinary read and journey into the lives of some extraordinary individuals who generously open to the reader their personal experiences with mentorship and identity formation. Each contribution reveals the essence of their devotion to seeing the good in others and to making that good better.

Pastor Clarence S. Brock & Dr. Valeria DeNise Brock

(aka, Nana Kofi Atinase I & Nana Dr. Ekua Adepa)

I am excited to endorse Becoming Lion by Daon McLarin Johnson.

This captivating book seamlessly blends intricate storytelling and profound insights on mentoring, creating an immersive experience that lingers long after the last page is turned. Daon has skillfully crafted a narrative that not only entertains but also challenges readers to reflect on the complexities of the intersection of mentorship and identity formation. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking a thought-provoking journey through the realms of the impact of mentorship.

Dr. Jamal Stroud

Founder, Executive Director, Philanthropist, Youth Advocate

Big Homie Lil Homie Mentoring

Daon reinforces the critical need for the mentor/mentee relationship.

The mentoring process helps build and solidify the foundations of exceptional leaders. Anyone interested in what helps to build leaders of the future should make time to read ‘Becoming Lion.’

Dr. Eric Perez

Founder

Talking Leadership Network

As the Senior Manager of Mentorship Programs for one of the largest school systems in the country, I have had many opportunities to work closely with Mr. Daon McLarin Johnson. I can tell you that Daon gets it. He understands the importance of mentorship and how it can positively change the trajectory of a young person’s life. Daon is a born leader and whatever media or literature he creates will be impactful and game changing – Becoming Lion is evidence.

Andre Dillard

Senior Manager of Mentorship Programs

Anne Arundel County Public Schools

Office of Equity and Innovation

At 11:11 AM in Dakar, Senegal (my first time on the continent of Africa),

I find myself compelled to share the profound impact of Lion and reflect on the synchronicity that brought me to this moment. The universe intricately weaves our paths, guiding us to where we belong, and it is our responsibility to discern the significance of the moments it unveils.

As a proud graduate of the esteemed Call Me MISTER program, initiated at Clemson University in 2000 by the visionary Jeff Davis, I am reminded of the transformative power it holds. This program, aimed at training black men as both teachers and mentors, has been a beacon of change, challenging stereotypes and reshaping the narrative surrounding black males in the classroom. Having been one of the pioneering recruits and even gracing the stage of the Oprah Winfrey Show alongside my fellow MISTER Scholars & Mentors, I have witnessed firsthand the potency of mentorship. My journey as a mentor began at the age of 17 during my freshman year at Claflin University, setting the stage for a lifelong commitment to guiding and empowering others.

In Lion, Daon skillfully encapsulates the diverse narratives of mentors who once walked the path of mentees, presenting a vivid panorama of the multi-dimensional journey to manhood through mentorship. This book is a valuable resource for mentors of all ages, offering profound insights into the untold stories that shape and define our roles. Daon deserves commendation for capturing these narratives, often overlooked and underplayed, and for amplifying the voices that have been relegated to the shadows.

Each story within Lion emanates from a place of filling voids, standing in the gap, and supporting the next generation of leaders. It serves as a compelling call to action for all readers, whether they are already mentors or on the cusp of becoming one. As a 24-year mentor now visiting Dakar, Senegal, to support the next generation of BIPOC and women technologists through my tech startup, Black Meta Agency, I urge you to embark on this journey through Lion, a literary masterpiece that not only entertains but also enlightens, inspiring us to embrace our roles as mentors and contribute to the development of future leaders.

Howard R. Jean, M.S. Ed.

Founder and CEO

Black Meta Agency – Career Pathways

Written by a master mentor, master of mentoring, and most notably a lifelong learner and teacher, Daon zeroes in on the intersection of identity formation and relational health. To serve as a mentor in any capacity involves a sacred covenant even if unspoken, Becoming Lion offers many voices, perspectives, and weaves in evidence-based learning with first-hand storytelling. The writer, who has been at the work of serving, building, and fostering a culture of mentoring for many years and in lots of roles, uses the depth and breadth of his experience leadership to collect and share the most important insights about how connect, develop, and make sense of the world through each other’s eyes and in relationship.

David Shapiro

CEO

YMCA Greater Boston

Table of Contents

Foreword

Introduction by Daon McLarin Johnson

Section One – Lions and Lambs

Alphonso Mayo

Klicia Oliveira-Wilson

Samuel Bellamy

Dr. Gerald Curry

David Ulloa

KeKyua Brock

Section Two - The Lion’s Share.

Daniel Johnson

Y. Ray Reeves

Dr. Stephania Herrera

Dannell T. Grayson

Arnold Jackson

Section Three – The Young Lions

Mohamed Kamara

Tony Donaldson, Jr.

Carlos Scott

Camila Chi

Epilogue by Carl Scott, Program Director, BEST Kids

Acknowledgements

Foreword

Jermaine Myrie

MENTOR, CEO

Like many people, I’ve journeyed through life seeking my north star. I was excited to be an educator, thrilled to learn new skills, and experience wonderful achievements as a sales executive. However, nothing I’ve done has been as transformative as being the CEO of MENTOR.

You never know where you might dock as you float down life’s river. The water is sometimes calm and comfortable, but inevitably, there are ripples, uncertainty sets in, and we all need an oar to help us navigate the journey.

We are in a moment where our identity and well-being are ever more dependent on the people we encounter and form relationships with in our daily lives. Daon has masterfully curated an anthology of poignant stories from individuals who intentionally and organically found relationships and communities that helped them imagine and reimagine their journey. I’m not surprised that Daon has brought these stories to light; he has walked the walk and been the light for many young people. He has been invested in raising lions – leaders and waymakers.

I found every story in this book reaffirming what the research tells us, that we all need caring relationships. That relationship might be developed in a home kitchen while learning family recipes from a grandparent or through weekly lunches with an executive at your job; mentoring shows up in many ways and many places.

Mentoring changes lives and Becoming Lion will further change many more. I’m optimistic that the storytelling and raw realities written here will further illustrate the need for mentors and their role in breaking through loneliness and isolation. Loneliness and isolation is generationally agnostic. There is value within each page of this book for the young as well as the seasoned reader as we learn how to support each other’s well-being.

Introduction

Each of us faces pivotal, serendipitous moments when we gaze across the proverbial Semliki River and encounter a guiding force that forever alters the course of our journey. These timeless moments of connection, when a mentor like Kumshauri steps forward to offer their invaluable intelligence, wisdom, encouragement, and inspiration, hold the power to shape our identities in profound and lasting ways.

Reader, with that in mind, I would like to welcome you to an anthology of essays based on The Legend of Kondoo that explores the rich and intricate intersection between mentoring and identity formation. Within these pages, I have gathered a phenomenally diverse chorus of lion-like voices, each sharing unique experiences, insights, and reflections on the transformative power of mentoring relationships.

Like our protagonist Kondoo, as you embark on this literary expedition, you will journey alongside a lion’s pride of individuals from all