Teaching Black History Through Faith & Art: Lamar Gospo Johnson
By Lana Reid | April 24, 2024
As part of the Black Men Matter Series, Lana Reid sits down with Lamar Gospo Johnson, gospel children’s book author, Black puppeteer, songwriter, and host of the Gospel Kids Show NewsRoom, to discuss teaching Black history through faith and creative expression. Lamar shares how art, puppetry, and storytelling can be powerful tools for educating children about Black history while nurturing spiritual grounding, confidence, and cultural pride. The conversation highlights how creativity opens doors to learning in ways that are engaging, affirming, and age-appropriate.
In this episode of The Male Perspective, Lamar Gospo Johnson offers a vibrant and purpose-driven conversation on faith-based education and creative storytelling.
Lamar explains how puppetry and artistic expression allow children to engage with Black history in ways that feel accessible and joyful. By combining faith, storytelling, and cultural education, he creates learning environments that spark curiosity while reinforcing positive identity and self-worth. Lamar emphasizes that when children see themselves reflected in stories, history becomes meaningful rather than distant.
Throughout the conversation, Lana Reid and Lamar explore how creativity supports early learning and spiritual development. Lamar shares how his work uses music, puppetry, and visual storytelling to communicate complex ideas in ways children can understand. He explains that education rooted in affirmation helps children build confidence while learning about their heritage.
The discussion also highlights the importance of planting seeds early. Lamar reflects on how introducing Black history, faith, and cultural pride during childhood helps shape long-term identity and resilience. He underscores that teaching history is not only about information, but about empowering children to understand their value and place in the world.
This episode reinforces the power of creative education as a tool for teaching Black history, nurturing faith, and inspiring young minds through joyful and intentional storytelling.
About the Guest
Lamar Gospo Johnson is a gospel children’s book author, Black puppeteer, songwriter, and host of the Gospel Kids Show NewsRoom. His work centers on teaching Black history, faith, and cultural pride through creative expression designed to educate and inspire children.
For more information on Lamar Gospo Johnson:
https://www.youtube.com/@lamargospojohnson1919
https://www.facebook.com/lamargospo.johnson.5
https://www.amazon.com/Lord-Help-Lamar-Gospo-Johnson/dp/1724516310
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About the Series
This episode is part of the Black Men Matter Series, highlighting Black men who are artists, educators, and storytellers using creativity to uplift youth, preserve culture, and strengthen community identity.
About the Host & Organization
The Male Perspective is hosted by Lana Reid, founder of Conversations in Color, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) grassroots organization dedicated to providing uplifting and community-building spaces of dialogue for Black voices.
Conversations in Color’s Current Initiatives
THE MALE PERSPECTIVE
The purpose of The Male Perspective is to dispel stereotypes and increase awareness of the experiences of Black men through open discussions, thought-provoking interviews, and the sharing of personal experiences that highlight the diversity and depth of the Black male experience.
SISTAS REBUILDING SISTERHOOD
Sistas Rebuilding Sisterhood is an intergenerational community of Black women who come together for relaxed, non-judgmental gatherings to exchange ideas, share experiences, and collaborate in a collective effort to improve the quality of sisterhood interactions in everyday life.
TAPESTRY OF BLACK VOICES AWARDS
The Tapestry of Black Voices Awards honors local communities and showcases the creativity, brilliance, and lived experiences of Black voices across the United States.