FRANK JOHNSON
Media Architect. Cultural Strategist. Movement Builder.
Frank Johnson is a cultural force whose voice, vision, and leadership are inseparable from the soul of Baltimore and the broader landscape of Black media and music. A trailblazing media executive, creative strategist, and civic innovator, Frank has spent over three decades reshaping how Black stories are told—from the blocks of West Baltimore to national platforms of power.
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Before he was a media mogul, Frank cut his teeth in the music industry, holding key roles at Def Jam, Atlantic Records, and 300 Entertainment. He worked closely with legendary figures like Russell Simmons, Kevin Liles, and Jay-Z—long before they were household names. As a music marketer and promotions expert, Frank helped launch and scale the careers of hip hop and R&B icons, mastering the art of moving culture both on the street and through the airwaves.
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But Frank’s influence extends far beyond music. In 2015, as the streets of Baltimore erupted after the death of Freddie Gray, Frank and his Black-owned radio platform, WBP Radio, stood among the few independent outlets broadcasting live from the frontlines. While mainstream media distorted the uprising, Frank amplified the unfiltered voices of youth, organizers, and community members—transforming media into a tool of truth, survival, and solidarity.
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Out of that crucible, Frank co-founded Solutions for Bmore, a youth-led, media-powered organizing initiative launched in partnership with the Hip Hop Caucus and Rev. Lennox Yearwood. Designed to channel protest into purpose, the campaign used school tours, civic broadcasts, and grassroots events to ignite political awareness, cool tensions, and activate a new era of youth engagement. Frank turned pain into policy, proving once again that media can be a movement.
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His leadership has also shaped national civic campaigns like Vote or Die, where he helped fuse hip hop with voter mobilization strategy—bridging the gap between the ballot box and the block. His ability to translate cultural capital into institutional influence has made him a trusted connector across grassroots movements, corporate boards, and government agencies.
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Frank's impact as a media pioneer is undeniable. As founder of WBP Radio, he created one of Baltimore’s most influential independent platforms—home to more than 30 original shows, including the city’s first Black-owned children’s programming channel and a 24-hour gospel station. He also executive produced breakthrough television programming including “The Doni Glover Show” (MyTV Baltimore), “Keepin’ It Real TV” (ABC Baltimore), and “APTV Live” (FOX45 Baltimore)—offering rare space for local talent and community dialogue.
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In theater, Frank served as executive producer for Joy Comes in the Morning, a stage play written and directed by his wife, Par'ris D. Rose. And in publishing, he authored Ambitious, a motivational biography and self-help workbook offering insider wisdom from his journey through the entertainment industry.
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His commitment to creative activism has extended to environmental justice, climate change, and public health—partnering with the Hip Hop Caucus and frontline organizers to elevate marginalized voices in national policy conversations. He also served as lead producer and strategist for the Baltimore Mayor’s Summer Youth Block Party Tour, curating joyful, culturally resonant spaces for thousands of young people.
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In 2010, Frank was honored by the City of Baltimore when his childhood block was officially renamed in his honor—recognizing his lifelong service to culture, youth, and community empowerment. But Frank’s story began long before the accolades. In the 1980s, he was a young artist producing early hip hop records, performing in Baltimore jails, and using creativity as resistance. That same energy powers his mission today.
Currently, Frank is the founder and CEO of Frank Johnson Media, a full-service creative agency specializing in strategic marketing, brand development, television and film production, and artist empowerment. From grassroots initiatives to national movements, Frank’s firm has become a go-to hub for clients who want to tell bold stories and build lasting influence.
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Whether he’s crafting culturally rooted campaigns for nonprofit coalitions, consulting on media strategy for major music projects, or mentoring the next generation of creative leaders, Frank brings unmatched clarity, integrity, and cultural fluency to every engagement. He is a trusted advisor, strategist, and mentor—called on by foundations, universities, artists, and entrepreneurs to bridge the divide between art and impact, culture and capital, vision and execution.
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Frank Johnson doesn’t just make media—he makes history. He is a storyteller of struggle and triumph, a translator between systems and communities, and a relentless champion of the people who move the world forward. His work isn’t just about visibility—it’s about voice, power, and legacy. And as the cultural landscape continues to evolve, Frank remains a guiding light—amplifying truth, inspiring action, and building a future where every story matters.
For interviews, consulting, or media inquiries:
📩 FJohnson@FrankJohnsonMedia.com
par'ris d. rose
Multifaceted creative and change-maker—an accomplished writer, producer, author, motivational speaker, entrepreneur, and dedicated domestic violence activist.
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Par’ris D. Rose is a powerhouse of creative and social impact—a prolific writer, visionary producer, accomplished author, dynamic motivational speaker, transformative life coach in training, serial entrepreneur, and nationally recognized domestic violence activist. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Resources Management, advanced credentials in Business Administration, and is currently pursuing a master certification in Life Coaching. Her educational foundation, combined with lived experience and unshakable resilience, fuels her mission to uplift, empower, and educate individuals navigating trauma and adversity.
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Widely regarded as an emerging force in both the creative arts and social justice communities, Par’ris is a rising voice for women, survivors, and visionary thinkers. Her work reflects a deep commitment to healing, purpose, and the power of storytelling as a catalyst for change. With passion, authenticity, and clarity of purpose, Par’ris is only beginning to scratch the surface of her boundless potential.
With a fierce commitment to healing, justice, and creative expression, Par’ris D. Rose has become a transformative force in the lives of those she serves and inspires. As a Domestic Violence Activist, she has dedicated herself to breaking generational cycles of abuse and empowering survivors to reclaim their stories. Through the creation of trauma-informed programs, healing initiatives, and public speaking engagements, Par’ris has impacted countless lives across the country—offering hope, strategy, and support to those who need it most.
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As an author, her voice is both lyrical and liberating. Her literary accomplishments include the acclaimed trilogy BlueBlack Tears of a Father and Child, Shades of Blue, and FREED—works that boldly explore generational trauma, identity, and restoration. She is also the co-author of Ambitious and Joy Comes in the Morning, and is preparing to release several new titles, including I Never Prayed for Myself, a raw and spiritual narrative of survival, and a forthcoming writer’s workbook designed to equip aspiring authors to turn pain into prose.
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In the world of film and television, Par’ris is a writer, director, and executive producer whose visual storytelling continues to gain momentum. Her short films Breathe Again (Parts 1 and 2) are cinematic testaments to healing and hope, garnering attention for their emotional resonance and powerful messages. She has also developed two original television pilots, both of which reflect her signature blend of real-life depth, dynamic characters, and unflinching honesty.
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Par’ris is also the proud co-owner of One World Studios, a creative production house committed to elevating diverse voices through film, media, and storytelling. Through this platform, she looks forward to empowering fellow creators, supporting entrepreneurs, and expanding her cinematic and literary work to reach broader audiences. One World Studios is not just a business venture—it’s a space for transformation, collaboration, and impact.
As a motivational speaker, Par’ris brings her full story to life—speaking from stages, classrooms, conferences, and healing circles with conviction and compassion. She has inspired survivors, students, corporate leaders, and communities with her message of resilience, redemption, and rebirth. Her lived experience is not her limitation—it is her liberation. Her story is one of transformation: she turned oppression into opportunity, sadness into strength, and loss into legacy.
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Currently based in Maryland, Par’ris D. Rose is not defined by the abuse she endured, but by the purpose she discovered through surviving it. Her voice is a beacon, her vision is bold, and her journey is a living roadmap for victory.