Former white supremacist slowly erasing his past - Local - News-Sentinel.com

Johnson, a native of Shelbyville, was indoctrinated into the beliefs of white supremacy from the very beginning, with his father being the driving factor. Throughout his childhood and adolescence, Johnson was programmed to believe in the superiority of whites while directing vitriol at people of color, Jews and others.

By the age of 16, Johnson had his arms completely covered in tattoos, many of which represented subtle and not-so-subtle nods at white supremacy.

Next was his throat, tatted up with symbols of hate. Included were a pair of numbers below the chin, "88" as an abbreviation for "Heil Hitler" and "14" for the white supremacist slogan, "We must secure the existence of our people and a future for white children."
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Johnson wants to make a difference. He wants to be able to have a job without having to wear a turtleneck every single day, but he also wants to share his experiences and show that you can change. He speaks to homeless people in Fort Wayne "just to talk with them." He works to get those interested in voting registered. He wants to talk to kids who are traveling down the wrong path. Maybe even write a book.

And he also wants his body cleared of its former, hateful message. "It has been a struggle, but slowly I got over it," Johnson says. "Everybody I have met have been so accepting. That's how I know I'm doing something right. Plus, I feel better about myself.
Former white supremacist slowly erasing his past - Local - News-Sentinel.com