J.T. Johnson, a prominent figure in the American Civil Rights Movement, is embarking on a personal journey of overcoming illiteracy that he has kept hidden for decades. At 88 years of age, Johnson, who played a significant role in activism alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., is now using an innovative AI-assisted programme named Dysolve to learn to read.
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Originally from Montezuma, Georgia, Johnson faced challenges from early childhood when he struggled to grasp reading skills, even repeating the second grade. “That was the first time I realised I had a challenge,” he reflects. He later relocated to Albany, Georgia, where he excelled in multiple sports. His athletic accomplishments allowed him some leeway in an educational system that overlooked his reading difficulties. “I’m sure [sports] was the only reason I got through school,” he remarks.
Despite Johnson’s illustrious contributions to the Civil Rights Movement, which included organising protests and enduring arrests, he grappled with a secret battle regarding his inability to read. “It was always a struggle,” he admits. Although he tried to learn, he was unaware that he was dyslexic, a condition affecting approximately one in five individuals in the United States. Johnson recalls a sense of shame surrounding his illiteracy, which prevented him from confiding in others, even his family.
After King’s assassination in 1968, Johnson continued his activism, relocating to Atlanta. He raised a family and established a management consulting business, relying on colleagues to assist with reading and writing tasks. A few community classes aimed at improving reading skills were attempted over the years, but none bore lasting success, largely due to the stigma he associated with his condition.
The turning point came in late 2024 when Johnson saw a news feature about Dysolve, an AI programme developed by clinical linguist Dr. Coral Hoh. Unlike traditional reading programmes, Dysolve employs generative AI to create personalised learning experiences that target specific language processing challenges. This revelation prompted Johnson to reach out to Dr. Hoh, who agreed to help him learn.
For several months, Johnson has been engaged with the Dysolve programme, participating in sessions three to four times a week. Although he has yet to achieve independent reading, he has noticed significant improvements in his spelling and phonetic awareness. “It makes sense,” he conveys, grateful for the newfound understanding of language processing that has emerged through his learning.
Dr. Hoh has expressed optimism about Johnson’s progress, noting that he has made commendable strides in grasping the fundamentals of reading. “We are in uncharted territory when it comes to how well it works with older adults,” she explains, indicating that Johnson’s journey may set a precedent for future learners.
As he continues to work towards his goal of reading, Johnson has expressed a desire to explore the Bible independently. “This is a gift that’s come to me,” he states, with a sense of purpose and determination. He remarked on how he wishes he could have achieved this earlier in life but feels a profound gratitude that it is happening now. Johnson concludes, “I’m going to put the work in. I’ll keep marching along. And I am going to be able to read — that’s a promise.”
Johnson’s story not only serves as a beacon of hope for individuals grappling with similar challenges, but it also sheds light on the potential of technology in aiding learning disabilities. By sharing his experience, he aims to inspire others to confront their own difficulties, promoting awareness and understanding of dyslexia in an age where advancements in education technology offer new possibilities.