by Tara Cavanaugh
Tony Johnson volunteers at KICK, a nonprofit organization for LGBT African Americans in Detroit, twice a week. He also is an active volunteer at a local soup kitchen and a VA hospital.
1. How did you start volunteering at KICK? What do you do there?
I was volunteering at AIDS Consortium of Southeastern Michigan when it was open, but it dissolved. I met Curtis Lipscomb, the new director of KICK, when he was working for AIDS Partnership Michigan, a sister organization. We were at an AIDS walk and he told me about KICK and that's how I started volunteering.
I've been here for 3 years, basically working as the office coordinator. I answer phones, do whatever other projects they need me to do, like keeping records, sending emails and stuff like that.
2. You volunteer at a soup kitchen and a VA hospital, too. Why do you volunteer so much?
I'm considered disabled. To give something back to the community keeps me from going crazy. If I stayed home I'd be crazy. My grandma always told me help the less fortunate than you so I try to do what I can do. I'm a pretty simple person. I get along with everybody.
3. You're also a veteran. Tell us about your service.
I was in the army from 1984-1987. I wanted to mature and to go see what I could see but I didn't go anywhere, I stayed stateside. It gave me a chance to get out of Michigan for a bit. I did basic training in South Carolina, school in Fort Gordon, Georgia, and the rest of my time was spent in Fort Knox, Ky.
4. What do you like about KICK's new space in Detroit's Tech Town?
I love it. We get visitors every day. It's more open. And there's more space. It opens up a whole new world to me. I can't really explain it. I see it really going up from here.
5. What should we know about KICK?
It does a lot of positive things for the black community. It's an outstanding organization. We're here for the people. And if you need help, don't hesitate to call.
