#DOWNTOWNRVA: Meet John, Traveler from South Carolina

by | Nov 14, 2023 | COMMUNITY, DOWNTOWN RVA, PHOTOGRAPHY

We dispatched our hometown photographer, CJ Payne, to the heart of the city to capture a snapshot and engage in some casual conversation. Consider it our local twist on the acclaimed Humans of New York series that we hold in high regard. Our aim is to foster a sense of community and encourage our readers to deepen their connections with their downtown neighbors. #DOWNTOWNRVA

“My name is John Edward Johnson, I bless y’all, I’m not from here; I’m from Columbia, South Carolina.”

“Today has been a great day! I met a good brother today. In the blessings of good we’re understanding different things to help us carry ourselves through life. Only in life do you get one chance to do things more positive, more righteous and more understandable. Today we’re doing things on the open level of understanding.”

“Everyone out here, in Jesus name, y’all continue to do some strong things to encourage other people to grow, and allow them to know that they have better things and chances in life. These things and all things we ask from the good lord, as well as ourselves. Be an example for those that are younger. In Jesus’ name we ask of these things, amen.”

– John Edward Johnson

Top photo by CJ Payne

CJ Payne

CJ Payne

After studying Classical Performance and Sound Engineering at William Paterson University, CJ moved to Richmond in 2020 where he took up photography. No stranger to the local music scene, CJ has been making a name for himself by shooting concerts around town. You can find more of his work at www.cjpaynephotography.com




more in photo

Photos | Holy Roller Packs The Camel for Back-to-Back Shows

A sold-out night at The Camel is one thing. Doing it back-to-back is another. Holy Roller (read our last interview HERE)  has been quietly building toward this for a while now. A Richmond band rooted in good time rock with a bit of country twang, pulling from all over...

Photos | Thousands Gather for No Kings Protests Across Richmond

Two separate “No Kings” demonstrations took place across downtown Richmond on Saturday, March 28, drawing crowds to both Kanawha Plaza and Monroe Park as part of a coordinated nationwide day of action. The first gathering began earlier in the day at Kanawha Plaza,...

Homegrown Stories Isn’t Content, It’s a Shared Experience

This Friday, March 27, a different sort of experimental prompt video event will showcase a collection of work made for Homegrown Stories. In the early days of RVA Magazine, that space existed through Project Resolution, a monthly prompt-based series that gave new...

Famous / Not Famous People: Photographer Matt Licari

Over a decade ago, some of Matt Licari’s earliest published photographs appeared in our printed pages, back when he was living in Richmond. Since then, Licari has gone on to become a sought-after editorial photographer, shooting globally recognized actors, musicians,...

Photos | Heart of Winter Fest

An unseasonably warm Friday afternoon set the tone for Day 2 of Heart of Winter at The Canal Club, a strange but welcome contrast to the bleak, frostbitten sounds pouring out of the venue. Despite the mild weather, the atmosphere inside was anything but soft. Black...

A Look Back at United Blood 2025

Editor’s Note: This article reflects on United Blood’s return back in April 2025 and is a preview of what is in store for 2026. Words and photos by Cristian Espinoza The sleeping giant walks the earth again. After a five-year hiatus, United Blood returned to Richmond,...