How LSU basketball star Flau'jae Johnson gave back to hometown of Savannah with special event

She's just 21 years old, but Savannah native Flau'jae Johnson is already one of the biggest names in women's sports and music in America, with millions following her every move on social media.

The daughter of the late Savannah rapper Camoflauge, Flau'jae has become a star on the basketball court with LSU and as an up-and-coming musical artist herself with hits such as "Can't Get Enough," "Guns Down," and "Came Out a Beast."

She was named the SEC's Freshman of the Year for the LSU squad that won a national title in 2023. Last season, as a junior, the 5-foot-10 guard averaged 18.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists to earn third-team All-American honors from the Associated Press. Many thought she might declare for the WNBA Draft, but Johnson decided to come back to play her senior season with the Tigers.

But before she goes back to school herself, Johnson held her third annual Back2School Giveaway at Enmarket Arena on Saturday. More than 2,500 people showed up and received free back packs, shoes, school supplies and ear phones, with a DJ from E93 FM playing music, while drinks and food were available. The event actually started Friday with free mammograms available with the help of the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, with the tests also given on Saturday.

Johnson was all over the floor at Enmarket Arena, showing the kind of energy that she shows on the basketball court. The former Sprayberry High star took her time to pose for pictures and sign autographs and gave a rap performance of her own for an appreciative crowd. The event was put on by the More to 4, the Flau'jae Johnson Foundation.

“It’s for the kids, for the parents as well,” Johnson said when asked why she holds the annual event in her hometown. “I always said I wanted to help, so we come out to help and I love to see their faces. I was one of them, and I was just looking for a little bit of hope and I think this brings a little bit of hope to the kids and a little bit of fun before school starts.

"We try to give them what they need, because there’s a lot of people who can’t afford it the way the economy is right now. I’m just thankful that I can help," Johnson said. "I’m overjoyed. This is way bigger than it was last year, and I have to thank all my partners that helped me put it together."

There was a strong contingent of young Flau'jae fans in attendance, including middle schoolers Ari Butts, Makayla Sams and Gabby Alston, who have basketball dreams of their own.

"This has been a great experience," Butts said. "Flau'jae is a great person on and off the court and she sets a great example."

Savannah Mayor Van Johnson was talking with constituents as he made his way across the arena floor, and waited for a chance to get a photo with Flau'jae himself.

"Flau'jae shows that there are great people achieving great dreams coming out of Savannah, Georgia," Van Johnson said. "She's a great role model as an outstanding student athlete with a philanthropic spirit and true love of her hometown. We're proud that's she's from Savannah and gives back so much to her hometown."

Savannah native Lawrence Smalls was on hand with his three children, Cayson, Chanel and Ashaad, and said the event is special for the community.

"Everyone remembers her dad, Camoflauge, and how much being from Savannah meant to him," Smalls said. "Flau'jae is always going to get as much support as she needs when she comes to Savannah — everyone loves her and what she is doing. This really helps tremendously for a lot of families who need it. It's money you don't have to spend because Flau'jae is giving back and spending it herself for the people in Savannah."

Dennis Knight covers sports for the Savannah Morning News. Contact him at [email protected]. Twitter: @DennisKnightSMN

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: LSU basketball star Flau'jae Johnson returns to Savannah to give back