ABOUT ME
THE STORY BEHIND " UPON MY RELEASE MENTORING "
My Story
My name is David "Big Up" Johnson.
I was born on November 19, 1961, at Jamaica Hospital in Queens, New York. I was raised on the South Side of Jamaica, Queens, by my mother, Ms. Kathrine Johnson, a remarkable woman whose strength, determination, and unconditional love helped shape the man I am today. My father was unknown, so from an early age I learned the importance of resilience, perseverance, and creating my own path.
Growing up, I shared my childhood with my brothers and sisters:
- Debra Johnson
- Alfreda Johnson
- Willie "Furman" Johnson
- Sharon "Niecey" Johnson
WHY I CREATED
UPON MY RELEASE MENTORING
Upon returning home, I realized that many men and women leaving incarceration faced the same challenges I once encountered. They had dreams of rebuilding their lives but often lacked guidance, encouragement, accountability, and someone who truly understood what they were going through.
I created UPON MY RELEASE MENTORING because I believe every person deserves an opportunity to rebuild their life with dignity, purpose, and hope. My mission is to provide mentorship, practical guidance, and a supportive environment where individuals can grow, overcome obstacles, and become productive members of their families and communities.
This organization was founded on one simple belief:
Your past does not have to determine your future.MY MISSION
My mission is to inspire, mentor, and empower men and women returning from incarceration by helping them discover that their past does not have to define their future.
Through UPON MY RELEASE MENTORING, I am committed to providing guidance, accountability, encouragement, and practical life skills that help individuals rebuild their confidence, restore relationships, strengthen their faith, and become productive members of their families and communities.
I believe that every person deserves an opportunity to write a new chapter in life. By sharing my own journey, I hope to encourage others to believe in themselves, embrace responsibility, and pursue a future filled with purpose, dignity, and hope.
A MESSAGE TO EVERY RETURNING CITIZEN
A Personal Message
If you’re reading this today, I want you to know one thing:
Your life still has value.
No matter where you’ve been…
No matter what mistakes you’ve made…
No matter how many people have given up on you…
You are not beyond redemption.
I understand that the road ahead may seem uncertain because I’ve faced difficult moments in my own life. I know what it feels like to need encouragement, guidance, and someone who believes in your potential.
That’s why I created UPON MY RELEASE MENTORING.
This organization exists to remind you that your past is not the end of your story. Every day presents a new opportunity to grow, rebuild, and become the person God created you to be.
I believe in second chances.
I believe in accountability.
I believe in transformation.
And most importantly…
I believe in you.
With respect,
David “Big Up” Johnson
Founder & Executive Director
UPON MY RELEASE MENTORING