OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Darnitha Johnson once dreamed of becoming a nurse and attorney. Soon, her plan changed to survival.
She endured multiple domestic violence situations involving former boyfriends and an ex-husband but stayed silent out of fear.
This all came to an end when Johnson attended work one day with visible bruises. An office manager noticed and told her mother.
Johnson says her mother became the “angel” who helped her escape the abuse.
Now 50 and a mother of three, Johnson has devoted her life to helping others in similar situations.
“Ever since then, I’ve wanted to empower other women and men, so that they are not alone if they are going through mental or physical domestic violence,” she says.
In 2015, Johnson founded Royal Queens Women Empowerment Inc.
“I feel like every woman is a queen, regardless of her circumstance. Royalty is how you see yourself; you have to see that you are worthy. Empowerment is once you get past a situation, you go out and empower others.”
Three years ago, Johnson started visiting the state capitol annually to spread awareness.
“I go there, set up my vendors table, and visit different congressmen and senators’ offices to give out my literature,” says Johnson. “I was almost killed at the hands of domestic violence, and I had to call numerous times before I could get help… it shouldn’t take three or four times for a person to call law enforcement for something to be done.”
During an escape from a domestic violence situation, Johnson had to sleep in her car and in a shelter. She has since branched out her business to help the homeless.
“I know how it feels to be cold, and I know how it feels to want some things that you’re not able to purchase,” says Johnson. She founded Operation Blankets, Socks and Snacks to serve those in need.
“Each year, we collect blankets, socks, and snacks and go out to different areas of Ocala and pass them out to the homeless.”
Johnson also speaks publicly to raise awareness about domestic violence, homelessness, and the struggles of low-income families.
In 2022, the Florida Commission on the Status of Women honored her with the Spirit of Community Award.
“Help me fight this fight, and that’s what will make me happy,” says Johnson. “I’m no longer a victim, I’m no longer a survivor, I’m no longer a conqueror – I’m an overcomer.”
Her future goals include becoming a psychologist and starting businesses to help single parents find jobs.
To those facing abuse, she says:
“You have a voice… Love yourself enough to know that you’re worth it.”