Punkie Johnson (left) and Dr. De'An Roper (right) speaking on stage
at Texas Hall
A School of Social Work speakers' event held Oct. 22 provided an opportunity to hear from comedian and actress Punkie Johnson, who discussed her journey as a Black lesbian in the entertainment industry.
In a conversation with Social Work Associate Professor of Practice Dr. De’An Roper, Johnson spoke about the influences that shaped her comedy, particularly her mother, who listened to comedy albums by Eddie Murphy and Richard Pryor while cleaning.
Growing up, Johnson listened to these records and eventually pursued comedy herself, beginning as a waitress in a comedy club before moving to the stage.
Johnson shared how she had to overcome barriers in a field she described as “a White man’s world,” facing challenges not only as a Black woman but also as a lesbian.
Her big break came in 2020 when she became the first publicly out Black lesbian cast member on "Saturday Night Live," an achievement she said was both a milestone and a learning experience.
Reflecting on her journey, Johnson emphasized the dedication needed to pursue one’s dreams despite obstacles.
“Every day you just got to wake up and decide, it’s something you owe yourself,” Johnson said.
The evening brought both humor and reflection, inspiring the audience to think deeply about representation in the media.
Through its dean’s speaker series, the School of Social Work’s fosters meaningful conversations, with events such as this one to expose students and the community to various points of view.
