Derrick Johnson Empowering Youth Through Education and Literacy

Oct 31, 2025

Derrick Johnson | Founder 

Derrick Johnson, the Kansas City Chiefs’ all-time leading tackler, has carried his drive from the field into philanthropy. In this KC Cares interview, he shares how his Defend the Dream Foundation transforms school libraries in low-income communities, giving kids access to age-appropriate books and bright, inviting spaces to read. He also discusses his new children’s book, Super DJ Saves Field Day, co-written with his wife, which encourages kids to discover their inner strength and values.

What Nonprofit Questions are Answered?

  1. What is the Defend the Dream Foundation?

    • A nonprofit founded by Derrick Johnson focused on improving literacy and learning environments for children in low-income schools.

  2. How does Defend the Dream support education?

    • By refurbishing libraries and donating thousands of age-appropriate books to Title I elementary schools.

  3. Why is literacy so important to Derrick Johnson’s mission?

    • Inspired by his mother, a lifelong teacher, Johnson believes education is the key to opportunity and confidence.

  4. What is Derrick Johnson’s children’s book about?

    • Super DJ Saves Field Day teaches kids to face fears, work hard, and find their own superpowers.

  5. How can people support Defend the Dream?

    • Visit defendthedream.org to donate, volunteer, or partner in upcoming library projects.

Find us on

Facebook:@ Kccaresradio

Twitter: @kccaresradio

Instagram: @Kccaresonline

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Also available on

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KC Cares, Kansas City’s nonprofit voice, tells the stories of Kansas City nonprofits and connects them with the community.  

Produced by Charitable Communications 

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In partnership with: 

Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation

Take risks. Own success. Be Uncommon.

TW: @kauffmanfdn FB: @kauffmanfdn IG: @kauffmanfdn

Transcript:

 

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Derrick Johnson Empowering Youth Through Education and Literacy

Derrick Johnson Empowering Youth Through Education and Literacy

Oct 31, 2025 | , , , ,

Derrick Johnson, the Kansas City Chiefs’ all-time leading tackler, has carried his drive from the field into philanthropy. In this KC Cares interview, he shares how his Defend the Dream Foundation transforms school libraries in low-income communities, giving kids access to age-appropriate books and bright, inviting spaces to read. He also discusses his new children’s book, Super DJ Saves Field Day, co-written with his wife, which encourages kids to discover their inner strength and values.

KC Cares Episode 348 | Nonprofit News, Stories, and Information

Aug 22, 2019

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Sharing the stories of local nonprofits and connecting them with the community! We talk with philanthropists, volunteers, community activists, executive directors, and nonprofit lovers from the Kansas City nonprofit community. Be seen, be heard with KC Cares! Kansas City’s Nonprofit Nonprofit Voice!

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USS Kansas City

Ward Cook, Executive Director

Our mission, on behalf of and with the financial support of the community, is to provide the USS Kansas City with needed morale building and sustaining items the Navy does not provide, sponsor commissioning events which bring the ship to active life, establish a scholarship fund for the benefit of the crew and build the foundation for a long lasting relationship between the ship’s crew, Kansas City, and the greater metropolitan area.

https://usskansascity.org

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Latino Foundation for the Arts

Deanna Munoz, CEO and Founder

Latino Arts Foundation, Inc. is a nonprofit organization created to bring forth the fiercely authentic voice of the underrepresented artists through their diverse stories, cultures and beliefs creating an artist based space OF their community FOR their community.

latinoartsfoundationkc.com

_________________________

Kansas City Public Library

Crosby Kemper, Executive Director

Mission is build everything we do around literacy. We Promote Lifelong Learning And Literacy For A More Vibrant Community. Visit Today! Pursue Your Interests At The Library. Free To Residents, Commuters and Students. 

kclibrary.org

_________________________

Find us on

Facebook:@ Kccaresradio

Twitter: @kccaresradio

Instagram: @Kccaresonline

_________________________

Also available on

Itunes || Spotify || Stitcher || Soundcloud || Youtube 

KC Cares, Kansas City’s nonprofit voice, tells the stories of Kansas City nonprofits and connects them with the community.  Produced by Charitable Communications 

In partnership with the Kauffman Foundation

Think. Do. Be Uncommon.

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My Cause My Cleats NFL Players

Dec 15, 2025 | , ,

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Stan Hays Operation BBQ Relief

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a program of Charitable Communications

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Kidz Just Wanna to Have Fun

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www.kjwhavefun.org

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www.parkinson.org/heartland

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The Rabbit hOle

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www.rabbitholekc.org

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Find us on

Facebook: Kccaresradio

Instagram: Kccaresonline

Twitter @Kccaresradio

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Young Women on the Move

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World War I Museum and Memorial

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Ed Mardiat, Volunteer Ambassador

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Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce-Pre K Awareness

Jasmin Williams, Project Director for the Pre-KC Awareness Campaign

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Facebook: Kccaresradio

Instagram: Kccaresonline

Twitter @Kccaresradio

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ArtsKC

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Web site: www.ArtsKC.org

 

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Turn The Page

Mike English, Executive Director

 www.turnthepagekc.org

@TurnthePageKC

Find us on

Facebook: Kccaresradio

Instagram: Kccaresradio

Twitter @Kccaresradio

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