The Origin of Strength

Eric Anthony Johnson grew up constantly on the move in New Orleans amid the 1970s-80s crack epidemic, getting "jacked" by the thugs and seeing people murdered right in front of his face. This environment snatched up and spit out most of the people he knew-but not Eric. With the help of his grandparents-and the power of comic books, basketball, education, and an immense drive-"Big E" went on to become a Presidential Management Fellow and earn two Master's Degrees and his PhD in route to becoming one of America's most influential voices in the realm of housing and urban development. Eric's raw and gripping memoir gives a visceral glimpse into the adolescent life of a young boy who overcame violence and poverty and went on to accomplish great things-detailing a life of courage, discipline, and disruption that inspires readers to travel their own path and fulfill their own maximum potential. "You won't be able to put this book down, and you'll never be the same after reading it. This story is the kind of 'edge of your seat' read that will one day become a classic film."- Matt Weinglass, Award-Winning Director & Producer