Mississippi Expat: Dennis Jay Johnson

"I don’t think there is much that could get me to go back. I feel like I spent too much time there and that whatever I do next needs to be going forward and not in the other direction."

What does it mean to call Mississippi home? Why do people choose to leave or live in this weird, wonderful, and sometimes infuriating place? Today we hear from photographer, gamer, and current Chicagoan, Dennis Jay Johnson.

Featured contributor, Dennis Jay Johnson, in Chicago. Photo by Lu Elite.

Where are you from?

Meridian, Mississippi.

When did you move to Chicago and why did you move there?

I moved to the suburbs of Chicago in the summer of 2013 after finishing college to be closer to my immediate family.  

The author with his uncle (left), father (middle) and mother in Shuqualak, Mississippi. (Note: Shuqualack is pronounced “sugar lock.”)

What does “home” mean to you? How does Mississippi fit into that definition?

Being from a military family that saw many moves, home, to me, was always my parents and brother.

While I don’t visit as often as I would like, Mississippi represents a beginning. I learned to read music, drive a car, and later attended college there. In this “origin story,” which happened in no small part thanks to my family, I find myself incapable of separating Mississippi from home.

What do you miss most about Mississippi?

I definitely miss Mississippi gas station chicken the most. 

How have you cultivated community in Chicago? Do you still feel rooted to Mississippi?

I’ve done a terrible job cultivating community in Chicago. This is by design, as I have grown less and less in search of a place to belong. Luckily, I am not completely alone. My partner and I’ve been going strong since a couple of years after my move away from home, and I have daily contact with my best friends from Mississippi.

I feel like I take my Mississippi roots with me wherever I go. The “yes sir” and “yes ma’am” has gotten me into trouble, specifically in the city. 

The author at age 18 in downtown Meridian.

What’s the weirdest question or assumption you’ve encountered about Mississippi (or about you as a Mississippian) by someone who’s never been there?

People often ask if it’s really that racist. My answer will change depending on the person asking. 

How has being from Mississippi affected your identity and your life’s path?

At some point during my upbringing, I learned how to listen to people. They would talk, I would listen, and then we’d do this over and over again. Sometimes I’d give decent advice and other times I’d just be a soundboard for them to work through their frustrations. Even in my many attempts to be left alone, this has continued to be a constant since moving to Chicago. My partner notices, too, as she often tells me that people just feel comfortable talking to me. I’m not sure if this is my path, but I often take up the responsibility to listen.

The author and his cousin at their shared fourth birthday party in Shuqualak.

What is something that you’ve come to understand about Mississippi by living elsewhere? 

Taking things a little slower isn’t such a bad idea. 

Have you ever thought about moving back? What would need to happen in order for you to move back to Mississippi?

I’ve played around with the notion of moving back to Mississippi. The idea of being a “big fish in a small pond” intrigues me. Also, being near my extended family would be a big plus. I am a bit regretful that during my college years, when I was closest to them, I made too few attempts to connect.

But with all that being said, I don’t think there is much that could get me to go back. I feel like I spent too much time there and that whatever I do next needs to be going forward and not in the other direction. 

The author and a friend in Meridian in 2014.

What do you wish the rest of the country understood about Mississippi?

At the end of the day, I don’t think Mississippi is too different from most places. People may smile more, or offer you too much food, but Mississippi is full of the same people that you can find anywhere; this fact seems hard to comprehend from the outside.

Do you have a favorite Mississippi writer, artist, or musician who you think everyone needs to know about?

I wanna give a shout out to Sam Cooke, because "You Send Me" is an all-time classic. 

If you had one billion dollars to invest in Mississippi, how would you spend your money?

I think the money would have to go to public schools and to create activities and clubs for the youth outside of the schoolhouse. Meridian had almost no activities for us as kids, and I’d love the opportunity to change that.

The author and his little brother in Chicago.

What or who do you want to shamelessly promote? (It can absolutely be a project you’re working on, or something you are involved in.)

Go follow my friend and fellow Mississippi expat SpaceXaddy on Twitch and all other socials.

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Dennis Johnson was born in Jacksonville, Florida and after three quick moves and many family visits, he found himself living in Mississippi at eight years old. He wouldn’t leave the state until just before his 24th birthday. Dennis attended Mississippi State University and is now working as a professional photographer in the Chicagoland area. You can find him on Instagram @chuqui and listen to his podcast Oblivious Games on Spotify.