Mara D. Johnson is a retired elementary and middle school teacher. She was born, raised, and educated in Washington, DC. She taught in the District of Columbia Public School System for 33.Years. Mrs. Johnson won the Outstanding Teacher Award as well, as well as the Teacher to Teacher Award twice during her career. During her 33 years, she assumed many positions in the DCPS. Mrs. Johnson also consulted with the Maryland Public Television Annenberg CPBLiterature Projects #2 & #3. After retiring, Mrs.Johnson used her expertise and passion for children's literature to write her first book, "The Adventures of Umphy the Umgum," which contains themes and content relevant to today's current events. Her second book, "Black is Beautiful," blends culture, history, and a sense of family and belonging. It is a work of LOVE.