Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Johnny Gray. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Johnny, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
Finding purpose is something that not everyone has the privilege to do. I found my purpose during my stint in Luanda, Angola, where I was playing professional basketball. I have 3 reasons for finding my purpose while living there. 1, I was standing on the beaches and shores of an ocean where big foreign ships breached the sands and pillaged and stole humans from their homeland for a journey that was unknown and a triangle of trade that would last hundreds of years. It hit me that I am my ancestor’s wildest dreams, a black American in Africa getting paid to play the sport I love, basketball. 2, after a hot practice in a hot gym, my ignorance got the best of me and I was naive and blind to the fact that I am a dumb American who didn’t fully realize how great I have it. I had a 1 liter bottle of water that I was pouring over my head, and like a movie, I slowly looked up and locked eyes and got the lost in the confused gaze of a few street kids who was wondering and watching why I would pour this liquid gold on my head to cool myself off because I was hot! Not thirsty, but hot! That is when a light bulb went off in my head and I ended up becoming a giver and a nurturer and one who wants to provide for the next generation. And finally, 3, my kids. My purpose all encompasses being a role model and a provider for my 4 kids and an image of a man that my sons want to be and the characteristics that my daughters will expect from the man they want to be with, a bar must be set, and I realized I am the bar. So now, I not only do it as a firefighter and President of the Los Angeles County Stentorians, but also as a Vice President of non-profit BAM Mentoring and Basketball.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am a firefighter paramedic for the Los Angeles County Fire Department in the Air Operation Section and the President of the Los Angeles County Stentorians, but I those don’t define me, I am a son, a brother, a husband, and a father as well. I serve the people of Los Angeles County as my career is concerned, but I also serve the next generation of young men and women. I played professional basketball in my previous life and served my teammates and my fans on that basketball court. My passion and purpose hasn’t changed, just the court has changed. I am still a team member and serve the community. I love my job and am excited to go to work everyday. I enjoy flying, I enjoy being a paramedic and I enjoy serving the members of the Stentorians organization and the citizens of Los Angeles County. Our organization is currently working with future firefighter candidates to expose them to the job and give them the tools and resources to be a future firefighter. Our dream is to host a EMT class in every district in Los Angeles County.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. Being a great teammate is crucial in my line of work. I think being able to “play nice in the sandbox” is a quality and skill that helps me in the career I do now. It is imperative to work well with others and receive constructive criticism.
2. Leadership was learned for me through sports. Being the point guard and captain for multiple teams allowed me to learn the skills of positive reinforcement and building my team up, as well as showing leadership through actions and not just words.
3. Lastly, the skill of confidence I learned through sports as well. In my career, being confident in your skills is crucial for a rescue or a fire. If you do not train to build that confidence, you will let not only yourself down, but your team as well. Training to build confidence in that jump shot or that free throw in crucial moments, translated well in my career field now. As President, I am confident enough to speak out when something isn’t right and I’m confident enough to be a man in my own skin and stand up right, ten toes down, and my chin up.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
My parents provided me with an environment of nurturing, a space for growth, and the independence to do what I wanted as far as sports and supported me in everything I did in life. My dad Johnny Gray, Jr is a track legend and never forced me to run track, but allowed me and supported me in blazing my own trail through basketball. I learned work ethic from him, and was entrenched in what it takes to be the best. My mother took me every practice, cared for me daily, and was my biggest fan on and off of the court. Without their love and support, I may not have been able to travel the world and take a chance of reaching my NBA dream and gain those experiences that molded me into the man I am today. Without their love and support, I may not have a clear vision on what it is to be not only a good parent, but a great parent. I was by no means spoiled, but I was spoiled with love and support. Therefore, undeniable love and unwavering support impacted my life, and they continue it to this day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lacountystentorians.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaygray3/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaygray3
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jaygray3
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