ANTONIO AND MEKIA


When Antonio Johnson-Bey went to prison for almost two decades, his mother, Connie Johnson, was devastated. A deeply religious woman, she prayed every day for Antonio’s safe return. Her prayers were warranted, because Antonio describes a very dangerous situation in prison, where his safety was always in question. However, he managed to return home and committed himself to turning his life around. Almost immediately, he met and entered into a relationship with Mekia, someone he had known since childhood. The two had always thought they were meant for each other, and they finally had the chance to embrace their vision of a life together, complete with a daughter of their own, Jade Amina. Antonio struggled at first to find permanent work, but after some temporary construction jobs he obtained a job as a city building inspector. Although he has become a devoted family man and church-goer, he is uncertain if he can ever forgive himself for taking another person’s life. 

Using Format