Children's author and motivational speaker Kimberly Johnson encouraged parents to get involved with their children.
Growing up in Shelby, Kimberly Johnson didn't have much.
"My grandfather couldn't read or write," she said. "My grandmother had a third-grade education."
Despite those humble beginnings, Johnson grew up to earn multiple college degrees, including a doctorate in curriculum, teaching leadership and learning from Northeastern University in Boston. She is the author of 18 children's books, including "The Adventures of the Itty Bitty Frog" and "No Fear For Freedom: Story of the Friendship 9," and is a motivational speaker on children's issues.
On Thursday, Johnson used her own story to encourage others. She was the guest speaker at the 10th anniversary Women's Giving Circle breakfast program at Highland Presbyterian Church.
Founded in 2009, the circle is a member fund of the Cumberland Community Foundation. Its more than 120 members raise money to improve the lives of women and children in the areas of homelessness, food insecurity, education and health.
Through last year, the circle has awarded grants of $452,704, representatives of the organization said. In that time, it estimates it has helped 27,825 women and children.
This year's grants will be announced March 8 at 6 p.m. at the Cumberland Community Foundation, said circle co-chairwoman Marion Gillis-Olion.
Johnson, who is completing post-doctorate work in advanced educational leadership at Harvard University, encouraged the guests at the breakfast to never underestimate a child's ability to learn and improve. She said her own story demonstrates that philosophy.
Instead of standing behind a podium to deliver her talk, Johnson wandered among the tables in the fellowship hall of the church, connecting with the guests close up. She led the group in exercises including smiling at a person nearby and putting an arm around them to illustrate her philosophy of connection and positivity.
"That smile may be all they need to get through the next part of the day," Johnson said. "We've got to start connecting, because that's what shakes up the apple cart."
Johnson delivered some of her talk in rhyme as she talked about how her early goal "to be the next Oprah Winfrey" changed over the years. She called her philosophy M.I.N.D.: Making connections, Initiating teamwork, Nurturing by listening and Determination and diligence.
Johnson said creativity in children should be encouraged.
"Our kids aren't innovative enough, they're not creative enough," she said. "We've got to find ways to get our kids to be innovative thinkers."
Johnson said it is up to adults to get their children started on the path to success. She told how her grandfather sacrificed for his family and instilled in her the belief that knowledge was the one thing that couldn't be taken away from a person.
"I'm here because somebody pushed me," she said. "Somebody believed in me."
Staff writer Rodger Mullen can be reached at rmullen@fayobserver.com or 486-3561.