Detroit man, 62, headed to Ukraine: 'I'm actually going to fight'

[Faygo Kid]

This discussion thread was locked as off-topic by MustLoveBeagles (a host of the Latest Breaking News forum).

Source: Detroit Free Press

Inside a Pentecostal church on 12 Mile Road, a group of Ukrainian-Americans and pastors stood around M. Dujon Johnson, their heads bowed and hands stretched out, some touching the Detroiter in a show of support.

"Deliver us from evil," they said Friday afternoon, reciting the Lord's Prayer at Church of the King in downtown Berkley.

A pastor then asked God to protect Johnson, 62, who had told the group he's on his way to Ukraine to fight alongside their forces.

"Father, we pray right now as we stand here with M. Dujon Johnson," the Rev. Jack Perkins of Southwestern Church of God in Detroit said, his right hand on Johnson's left shoulder. "We pray God that you would bless him ... Give him the wisdom that he needs, Lord God, to be a help and an assistance. Father God, give him the protection that he needs, that he be safe. Lord God, give him the strength that he needs that he may be able to survive.". . .

Read more: https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2022/03/08/detroit-ukraine-fight-m-dujon-johnson/9381984002/

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Mr, Johnson is a Black man. He recalls what fights for freedom are all about. As he says in the article:

"When people hear about Black Lives Matter and voting rights, they think it's just for Black folks, but we've always stood up for what's right for all people," Johnson said. "So I'm going there, because the concepts of democracy, freedom, being treated right, that's just part of our legacy. And I feel compelled to uphold it."

Stay safe and thank you, Mr. Johnson.

[Wingus Dingus]

1. What a great person. I wish him luck and safety.

[Roc2020]

2. Proof WWW111 is happening in Ukraine right now

International volunteers are going to Ukraine to fight against Russia. Russia recruiting from middle east to fight. This is happening.

[musclecar6]

4. Good for him

Helping others in need.

[onetexan]

5. Bless this brave man. He certainly understands that "Injustice anywhere is a threat to

justice everywhere" MLK

[Warpy]

6. I hope he speaks the language

or at least speaks some Russian, something most Ukrainians speak. Otherwise, he might be a hindrance rather than a help unless he is able to fly one of those donated Polish fighter jets into the country. Or be able to repair them onc4 they're there.

It's not just fighters they need. However, knowing the language or enough of it to follow orders is essential.

[The_REAL_Ecumenist]

9. Brothaman is not only brave BUT bad. See, he was a member of the Peace Corp in Ukraine from 2018 to

2019 at Cherkasy National University and Cherkasy State Business College while LIVING in Ukraine & taught ONLINE when the pandemic hit. Look, I'm going to assume that he's conversational at the very least, kind of I speak conversational Magyar. He exemplifies what most black folks including me were taught that freedom & civil rights don't just apply to us but all of humanity.

"Johnson said he was with the Peace Corps Response in Ukraine from 2018 to 2019, teaching at Cherkasy National University and Cherkasy State Business College. While living in Ukraine, "my job was to train university professors in how we bring transparency and democracy in the classroom," teaching about government and civic society, Johnson said. After the pandemic began, he taught online at the Ukrainian universities.

Now, he said he's planning to go back to Ukraine — this time to be on the front lines with Ukrainians defending their land against Russia's military attacks."

[niyad]

14. thank you for this important infirmation.

[Warpy]

19. Good, it sounds like he will be very useful

I do worry about having them deluged by people who are unlike your friend and are going over with the best ideals but no practical preparation. They will mostly be in the way, or perhaps guarding things that are out of the way.

Your friend sounds well prepared for this. For everyone's sake, I hope this is over quickly, although I doubt it will be.

[Hekate]

7. God go with you, sir

🌻 🌻

[left-of-center2012]

8. Interesting 'human interest' story

But is it 'Late Breaking News' ?

[secondwind]

10. What an interesting man, in every sense! I am soo impressed by him. I sure hope he comes back home.

[ananda]

11. This is what BLM and freedom is really all about!

A very moving story.

[PortTack]

12. President Zelenskiy says the foreign fighting for pce now numbers 20k

Also, 66+k Ukrainians have returned home to join the fight

[niyad]

13. . . .

[AllaN01Bear]

15. this is a good man. i also would like to see du add a human intrest forum or group

also narrow some things down that i feel dont belong.they also need a current event group. part is lbn. that is good.

[samsingh]

16. Stay safe Mr. Johnson.

[orangecrush]

17. Godspeed

This happened in WW2, with the -"Flying Tigers".

I expect us to be in a conventional war with russia in the near future.

[sprinkleeninow]

18. I honor you!

My brother in the Lord and in humanity, I'm believing for your protection and safety, sustained good health and great success in your noble endeavor.

☮🌻🕊💙💛🇺🇦🕊🌻☮

[Karadeniz]

20. They better treat him well !!!!!!!

[MustLoveBeagles]

21. Locking thread

This story is interesting but doesn't meet criteria for Late Breaking News. I sugguest reposting this in General Discussion.