WELDON — World renowned journalist, activist and political commentator, Jeff Johnson celebrates black history month with students, staff and visitors at Halifax Community College this week.

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Johnson is a national award winning journalist, with Black Entertainment Television (BET). He is the only American reporter to receive an interview with Africa’s first elected female head of state and Liberia’s first elected female president, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf. He has interviewed other international politician like Sudanese president Omar Al-Bashir, and has been quoted in Newsweek, National Journal and the Boston Globe. He is most famous for his work with “The Truth with Jeff Johnson,” where he is managing editor and chief correspondent. The program airs on BET.

Johnson spoke to the Valley audience Monday about many things including the economy, and social issues effecting African Americans. “He inspired me and others,” said Ashley Scott of Northampton County High School - West. “When he talked about the President, he said it’s not just because Obama is black (that we celebrate) but because its time for us to look to the future.”

HCC Student Government Parliamentarian Gwendolyn Young said that Johnson’s presentation was uplifting and that she was most inspired by Johnson’s example in questioning the audience on who is Marcus Garvey. “He said most people don’t know who he is and what he did, and that people should get out of front of the TV and get out and get an education. We’d like to have him back next year,” she said.

Dr. Ervin Griffin, President of HCC, said that the college plans to have a series of convocations of cultural speakers and he believed that it starts at this point. “We hope to challenge people to think,” he said adding, “We appreciate Mr. Johnson being here, so much. He donated part of his services to the foundation. I think this was good for the students.”

When asked for one last word of inspiration for the people of the Roanoke Valley, Johnson said, “So often we are looking for answers from outside when we have all the answers inside. I hope everyone will realize the resources they have here and use them to build the future.”

The next celebration of Black History Month will be held at the Center Feb. 17, at 11 a.m. with International Day. The community is invited to sample culturally-based dishes prepared by citizens and business owners. A $1 donation is requested for admission.