Projects and Appearances

Projects and Media Appearances

Public leadership is built through more than titles. It is shaped by the work, conversations, advocacy, and public moments that connect people to the issues affecting their communities.

This page highlights my major projects, media appearances, public commentary, and civic engagement work. From student advocacy at Oakland University to statewide political organizing and conversations with public leaders, these moments reflect my commitment to making institutions more accessible, accountable, and responsive to the people they serve.

This paper received an honorable mention in Oakland University’s annual Freedom of Speech Essay Contest. I wrote it as a reflection on why free speech matters not only as a legal protection, but as a necessary part of public life, advocacy, and democratic participation. As a student leader, I have seen how important it is for people to be able to speak, question, challenge, and be heard, especially in institutions that claim to serve them.

Freedom of Speech Contest Submission - Marcus Johnson

This section highlights articles I have written, been featured in, or contributed to through my work in student leadership, public advocacy, and political engagement.

www.oakland.edu/foundations/student-success/2026/dream-realized/

Southfield resident receives Oakland University Keeper of the Dream ScholarshipSOUTHFIELD — Southfield resident and senior at Oakland University Marcus Johnson was honored at the Oakland University Keeper of the Dream Scholarship Award Ceremony on Jan. 19.

OUSC President Marcus Johnson honored with Keeper of the Dream AwardWhen Oakland University senior Marcus Johnson opened the letter notifying him of his selection to receive the Keeper of the Dream Award, his tentative nervousness gave way to both joy and surprise. “I let out a very large, loud squeal,” said Johnson, who had not spent the week after his award application interview expecting to...

Meet Marcus Johnson: OU’s rising civics celebrity“Because if anybody took high school civics class, they’d know what the vice president can do and what the vice president can’t do,” were the words of Marcus Johnson, a political science student at Oakland University, now dominating the screens of millions worldwide. Spoken after the Oct. 2 vice presidential debate, Johnson’s statement took off...

Oakland University student's critique of vice presidential debate lands him on MSNBC spotOakland University student Marcus Johnson's critique of the vice presidential debate landed him more TV time this week.

Not seeing anything above? Reauthenticate

College student goes viral for giving Vance 'civics lesson' after debateMinnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Ohio Sen. JD Vance met on the debate stage last night. NBC News' Jacob Soboroff spoke with Marcus Johnson, an Oakland University student, who shares his reaction. Also, for...

Viral: Michigan College Student Gives JD Vance A Civic LessonAn Oakland University student, Marcus Johnson, just "schooled" vice presidential candidate JD Vance. Find out more about this viral moment.

Letter to the Editor: A New Way Forward – An Open Letter to the Students of Oakland UniversityTo the students of Oakland University, As I step into the role of Student Body President, I do so with a deep sense of honor and responsibility. In a letter I shared during my campaign, I wrote that the role of Student Congress is not to speak over students, but to amplify their voices—even if...

Letter to the Editor: DEI is more than just an acronym.As a Black man and a student leader at Oakland University, I am deeply disturbed by the ongoing demonization of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) practices by certain factions within the federal government. Condensing diversity, equity, and inclusion into an acronym diminishes what DEI represents and facilitates its demonization. Instead of fostering an environment of...

www.oakland.edu/news/cmi/2025/KOD-recipients-announced/

The obvious reason Trump and Vance keep insulting our civics intelligenceThe roles of the vice president are spelled out in the Constitution, the document that Republicans like to say they base their policies on but don’t always appear to have read.

Opinion: Why I’m voting this year and why I can’t ignore politicsFor college student Marcus Johnson, civic engagement is a top priority. Read why he is voting this year.

This section features videos of my media appearances, interviews, public remarks, and other recorded moments connected to my work in student leadership, advocacy, and civic engagement.

Marcus Johnson on Inside with Jen Psaki 10-6-2024.mkv

WWJ_09-10-2025_23.03.14.mp4

Reconnect with Jacob Soboroff

Page updated

Report abuse