JOSEPH JOHNSON, OAK9 BLACK

Even in an all-virtual setting, Joseph Johnson (Oakland Cohort 9 Black Hidden Genius Alum) quickly realized The Hidden Genius Project was more than just a technology program, it was a brotherhood rooted in valuable life learning experiences. While discovering his passion for coding and entrepreneurship, Joseph learned how to lean on his brothers and mentors in our program to help him during challenging times. We sat down with 16-year-old Joseph to gain insight about his journey and growth in our program, and to learn about the story behind his newly launched clothing line business, Eccentric Society.

How have you been?

Things have been good on my end, including school and my family is doing well. Work has been great whether it’s being a Youth Educator, running my brand, or creating websites, it’s been fun because those are all things I enjoy doing.

How did you first learn about The Hidden Genius Project?

I first learned about The Hidden Genius Project from a friend I went to school with, who introduced me to the program. Initially, I hesitated to join because it was a 15-month program conducted entirely online. However, I eventually decided to join alongside my friend and quickly discovered that it was more than just a technology-focused program; it was a fun brotherhood filled with valuable learning experiences.

My decision to join was influenced not only by my friend’s participation but also by my mother’s belief that it would benefit my future job prospects and college applications. After the first summer, my friend left the program, but I chose to stay. It wasn’t just because of my commitment, but because the sense of brotherhood we experienced online made me imagine how much stronger it would be in person.

As I continued in the program, I realized it was indeed worth it. The chemistry we had in person, combined with the memories we had created online, allowed us brothers to form deeper bonds and lasting memories. Whether we were laughing together or playing basketball, we always worked together and had a great time.

What was your experience in the program like?

I really enjoyed our leadership lessons which allowed our cohort to discuss problems that have an impact on our Black community. The conversations from those sessions were an eye-opener because I did not really see any problems in our communities, but The Hidden Genius Project highlighted systemic issues and what we can do to fix them as a community.

During the program, I always enjoyed hanging out with my brothers playing basketball, or making music. I also had no understanding of coding when I first joined The Hidden Genius Project so that was a challenge. However, I learned how to improve my coding skills by working with Abraham (Senior Innovation Educator) and Kevin Butler (OAK4 Hidden Genius Alum). They had me practice my HTML and CSS fundamentals to the point where I’m now comfortable teaching it to others as a Youth Educator.

Describe the final project you designed during your time in the Immersion Program.

I created a website using coding languages HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for my first business called SnapiT. SnapiT was created because I am a photographer myself and I didn’t have a large following on social media. This motivated me to develop a platform that helps new photographers gain recognition and opportunities to showcase their capabilities, including ways to grow their fan base.

How is The Hidden Genius Project different from other mentorship or training experiences that you have been involved in?

The Hidden Genius Project is more than a mentorship or training experience because the team was always there to support me every step of the way. Everyone makes a deep effort to stay connected to us and our families. Whenever I see Jamal (Oakland Support Services Manager) he always asks me how my family is doing and tells me that he’s going to give them a call. The care and love they show extend beyond the program and into our daily lives.

What specific skills learned in The Hidden Genius Project have been most beneficial for you?

In the program, I learned how to become a better leader and communicator. Our leadership sessions shared how bosses tell their peers what to do while leaders help bring the best out of people, and include everyone’s voices. As a student, Genius, and Youth Educator, I make sure to communicate clearly and lead by example in every situation I am in.

The Hidden Genius Project also taught me how to code and build an effective website using several languages, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Now I get to pass on my knowledge of coding to other Geniuses and my peers now that I’m a Youth Educator.

I’d also say business development as an entrepreneur is another skill I’ve learned in the program. I recently launched another business called Eccentric Society, which is a clothing brand that embraces individuality and empowers everyone to be true to themselves while wearing our pieces.

I started Eccentric Society because I found it hard to be myself around others because I am white and Black. 

There were situations where I was too white, and in others, I was too Black by the way I talked and the way I moved. Because of this, I want my brand to help people who are finding it hard to be themselves to wear my clothes and feel empowered to embrace who they are.

What was the most important thing you gained on a personal level (development, relationship, community, etc.) from participating in The Hidden Genius Project?

I’ve learned that as a Black man it is normal to ask for help. When I first joined The Hidden Genius Project, I didn’t quite understand this as I was often afraid of being seen as weak. After receiving support and guidance from Baba Lemon (Senior Innovation Educator), I learned how to ask for help when I need it and that it’s okay to lean on your community. I remember days when I got calls from Jamal asking if I was good and how my family was doing. I told him when I was not okay and we would talk about it for hours. Hearing how it okay to be vulnerable with your community and brotherhood was huge for me because I know they will be there to help support me.

How do you think your path might have been different if you hadn’t participated in The Hidden Genius Project?

Honestly, I would never catch myself responding to these questions now because I’d never be this open about how I feel and express it this way. Without The Hidden Genius Project, I know I wouldn’t be as connected as I am today with people who work at Twitch, Tesla, or Salesforce. There are so many doors that The Hidden Genius Project has opened up for me and it has made me a better man for myself and my community.

Before joining The Hidden Genius Project, I wasn’t involved in any programs nor did I realize the role I could play in my community. During the program and even more now as a Youth Educator, I am now sure of where I stand when it comes to my community and getting involved, and that is as a youth educator I know I gave this program all I had as a Genius, and I continue to do so as a Youth Educator for my community. 

In what ways has the staff of The Hidden Genius Project stayed connected/continued to support you since graduating from the program?

I remember not too long after graduating from the program I got a call from Jamal congratulating me and asking if I was interested in becoming a Youth Educator. Now I help mentor incoming Geniuses about our program, and hopefully, I’ll have the opportunity to teach them business development skills. It’s also fun to work with the staff almost every day during the summer who helped support my growth. 

If you could talk to yourself just before you applied, what is one thing you would say?

Don’t hesitate, just do it and see what the outcome is. 

What words of encouragement do you have for future Geniuses?

You are not alone in this journey. We are a community that believes in lifting each other up, celebrating victories, and providing a helping hand during challenges. Together, we will inspire and empower one another.

We are committed to empowering you with the tools, resources, and skills needed to excel. With The Hidden Genius Project, you’ll gain the confidence to tackle any obstacle or challenge that comes your way.