Karen Meeks Johnson: Determined to Win

Karen is an inspiration! I applaud her determination determination to win…on so many levels in life. She is an example for all women that our age in no way defines or limits us. At the age of 59, Karen won the title of Mrs. California American

It’s crazy to believe Karen and I met over twenty-five years ago (all because we both loved scrapbooking when that was a thing). She has been a champion since we met She has poured herself into all she does whether it’s family, faith, her career in education (which she is retired from), singing, her community and making a difference in so many lives. I am inspired all over again doing this interview and the interview with her on my podcast –Voice of Vitality She will cause you to believe you can truly accomplish anything you desire and dream of

What was your motivation to compete for the title of Mrs. California American that you won in 2022?

I’ve always loved the stage and finding platforms that can display my talents. Although this pageant does not require a talent, I knew that winning a title would open doors for me to use my talent of singing! Of course, soon after winning, I began singing the national anthem at special events, the most notable being the Sacramento Kings vs Los Angeles Lakers game in Sacramento. I’ve also had the opportunity to work with organizations that I’ve passionately worked with in the past, Komen and the National Cancer Society, to help their cause and make a difference in the community music It’s always been in me, and it’s always been a passion of mine just let go and let God work His plan for my life. So many times in my life when I finally stopped trying to fix everything myself, everything just fell into place, divinely!

It was also an opportunity for me to compete on a larger scale… I was crowned Miss Black Sacramento in November 1985 the first year of the Sacrament Kings Two wives of the players were judges They requested I sing the National Anthem, which led me to singing the anthem, at least one game for the first 11 seasons.

What has been your biggest/most positive experience you have received from winning Mrs. California American?

The most rewarding thing from this experience has been hearing from others how I’ve encouraged them to go after their dreams. As a woman deep into my 50s, I’ve shown that your body can respond to a sincere effort to be the best fit ever! As a full time professional, wife of 28 years, mother, and a cancer survivor, you can make your dreams come true no matter how long you’ve been trying or have put on hold due to any perceived obstacles. In fact, if you can just see your past attempts not as failures, but as steps to prepare you for your ultimate goals, you will always win!

You are also a recording artist with a gift to sing and perform. When did you discover your musical abilities?

I’ve been singing since I was two years old! My parents were musicians in the church, so I’ve lived my life in music.

You have been able to perform the National Anthem for many National Basketball Association (NBA) games. What has that felt like to perform in front of such a large crowd?

Singing in front of thousands of people in the stands (and millions on television) feels like I’m doing what I’m meant to do I absolutely love it! I don’t do it enough I absolutely love the opportunity to honor our country and those who have fought for our freedom and rights, so I sing with passionate, reverence and timeliness, because it must be done within 90 seconds for television I’m looking forward to many more televised singing opportunities, and not just the National Anthem.

Your music is heartfelt and inspiring and you make such an impact for anyone who listens to your songs? Why did you decide to share your gifts and talents?

You’ve heard the saying, “Use it or lose it”? I don’t take lightly the fact that I’ve been given these gifts of singing and writing. It’s my privilege and honor to use it all to bring glory to God Also, when I’m singing, I feel such freedom and almost a sense of euphoria! If I’m able to spread that emotion and evoke a sense of hope to those who listen, I know I’m doing what I’ve been born to do. That makes me feel beyond grateful!

All that you do requires commitment and dedication. How do you stay focused to achieve all of the goals you set for yourself?

When I consider the greater goal and my purpose and how positively impactful I can be on others, that is my motivation to get it all done. I also consider how blessed I am to have these opportunities that would not have come my way if those before me had not already blazed trails so that I can carry the torch That includes my parents and other leaders in the community.

What do you do to Celebrate YOU and all of the wins you have achieved in your life?

I shop! Lol! I have to admit that I love fashion, so sometimes I’ve got to “reel it in!” After I gather my senses, I set new goals and get right back to work! I love it!

Your most recent album release, Stand Free, is out now. What was the motivation for the songs and the album?

I have gone through so many situations in life that could easily have made me lose my mind. But, I know that God’s grace has kept me, saved me, changed me, and made my life better than I could have dreamed for myself. When my producer presented me with the instrumental track, I “heard” freedom. I felt that in my soul. When I finally sat down to write the lyrics to the track, the words flowed as I recalled the times I had to just