The Taber Museum hosted Reverend Brian C. Johnson, Ph.D, on Sunday, June 15, 2025. Dr. Johnson discussed his latest book, Free Indeed, coinciding with the observance of Juneteenth. The book explores the life of Bishop Richard Allen (1760-1831).
Born into Slavery and raised as “Negro Richard”, Richard finds Christ and converts to Christianity. After purchasing his freedom from his Slave Master, Richard devotes his life to preaching the word. Now free and having adopted the surname Allen, Richard founds the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in South Philadelphia. Although he faced racial harassment of various forms, he lived his message and advocated for the unity of all races.
Dr. Johnson earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English from California University of Pennsylvania and a Ph.D. in communications media and instructional technology at Indiana University of PA. Author of several books, Dr. Johnson is an Adjunct Instructor at Luzerne County Community College and serves on the ministry team of the Revival Tabernacle in Watsontown.