As a Black Student Wrestler at the University of Minnesota Morris, I Was Chased on Halloween Night by White Athletes Dressed as the KKK—One Holding a Shotgun, Another Burning a Cross

Michael Johnson has proven himself to be a dedicated leader committed to creating opportunities for children and families.

October 10, 2026

This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on October 9, 2026

Michael Johnson, president of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County, wrote about his 1993 Halloween Incident in his book, The Audacity to Lead, because adversity, injustice, and moments of trial often shape leaders.

He was a student wrestler at the University of Minnesota Morris, thirty years ago, and lived through one of the most painful chapters of his life.

Johnson has served as the President & CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County for the past fourteen years, transforming the organization into a powerful force for change.

The Club experienced incredible growth, quadrupling the number of children and families served, expanding operations into multiple cities, and increasing the organization’s net assets from $4 million to $26 million.

His strategic vision inspired over 22,000 donors to contribute more than $50 million to the cause. He led to the creation of the most significant public/private partnership in the Madison School District.

Moreover, his dedication earned him the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Heart & Soul Award, and the Wisconsin State Legislature named him a “Hometown Hero.”

Michael Johnson is a Leader Forged in Adversity: Painful Past to a Purposeful Future

Michael Johnson, a respected community leader, shares a poignant story from his past to illustrate how leaders are formed.

As a Black student wrestler at the University of Minnesota Morris in 1993, he was the target of a horrific racial assault on Halloween night.

White student athletes dressed as the Ku Klux Klan chased him. They held a shotgun and burned a cross.

Although some initially dismissed it as a prank, it was a serious act of racial intimidation that made national news.

Johnson came from an all-Black school in Chicago, and the incident was a jarring and harrowing experience.

Ultimately, the perpetrators were held accountable. Four wrestlers and their coach pleaded guilty to crimes and were sentenced to jail time, probation, and cultural diversity training.

I remember my mom telling me the story, and I was shocked by it. I wasn’t aware of racism until I went to college, where only about 6% of the students were African American. I’m glad you didn’t resort to taking your own life.
Those difficult times help shape who we are. Kudos to you! ❤️

The trauma was severe, and no punishment could erase the pain of that night.

However, Johnson emphasizes the support he received from the university community, and the outcome sent an essential message that racism and violence would not be ignored.

He notes that the University of Minnesota Morris has since learned from this history and has worked to create positive change.

Moreover, the university even invited him back to speak with students decades later.

Johnson has detailed this experience in his new book, The Audacity to Lead.

He writes about it to make a powerful point that leadership isn’t born from comfort. It is forged in pain, shaped by challenges, and defined by the courage to keep moving forward.

In the book, I share how the Chancellor honored my request to transfer to their Big Ten school, where I eventually met the love of my life.

As he approaches his 50th birthday, his story stands as an inspiration, proving that the most challenging trials can become the foundation for a life of service and impact.

In Case You Didn’t Know

  • Michael Johnson earned a BA in Business Education from Chicago State University and an MBA from the University of Phoenix.
  • He served as a Vice President for the Gateway Region YMCA and Deputy Commissioner for Philadelphia Parks & Recreation.
  • He married .

  • Check other Articles on

Ashish Maharjan, author at Players Bio, has been covering news with a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling. A writer with a passion for capturing the essence of athletic competition.

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