Naomi Johnson and Sean Cos Mason (Deshon Johnson): Legacy of Noneillah and the Deshon Johnson College Scholarship Foundation

 Naomi Johnson and Sean Cos Mason (Deshon Johnson): Legacy of Noneillah and the Deshon Johnson College Scholarship Foundation

Sean Cos Mason, known artistically as Sean Cos Mason (and also referred to as Sean M Noneillah), was a talented hip-hop artist, rapper, songwriter, digital designer, and entrepreneur born on March 5, 1990. His real name was Deshon L. Johnson. A driven college student majoring in Business Administration-Finance, he attended Essex County College (where he received a posthumous degree in 2013), Kean University, and planned to transfer to Montclair State University. In 2012, at age 22, Sean founded Noneillah Entertainment LLC, a multifaceted brand encompassing music promotion, fashion design, events, and empowerment. The name "Noneillah" stemmed from his personal tagline, "No one is better than you", a mantra of self-confidence that became the brand's core motto: "Trust that no one is better than you, stand tall in your unique light, create boldly, and let your legacy inspire generations."

Tragically, on July 18, 2012, Deshon's life was cut short when he was struck and killed by a Coach USA bus (operating as NJ Transit) in Bloomfield, New Jersey. The incident, involving driver Wilson Romain, was described by witnesses and family as intentional, yet no criminal charges were filed, sparking ongoing advocacy for justice in vehicular homicide cases.

His mother, Naomi Johnson, a poet (under the name Soulaity), author, artist, fashion designer, talk show/podcast host, and advocate, stepped in to preserve and expand his vision. As the primary owner, lead designer, and manager of Noneillah, Naomi transformed the brand into "fashion with a cause." The Noneillah fashion line features bold, music-inspired prints, asymmetric designs, swimwear, ready-to-wear clothing, accessories, and jewelry for all ages, often incorporating uplifting messages and musical elements. Proceeds from sales frequently support educational and advocacy initiatives. Naomi has showcased the collection at events like New York Fashion Week, charity fundraisers, and talk shows, blending creativity with calls for pedestrian safety and accountability for reckless drivers.

Central to this legacy is the Deshon Johnson College Scholarship Foundation (DJCSF), established by Naomi in 2013 in memory of her only son. This non-profit initiative provides financial assistance to underprivileged or deserving students, particularly those facing educational barriers. It focuses on candidates at the institutions Deshon attended:

• Montclair High School (his alma mater, where the first scholarship was awarded in 2013 to student Malik Wright).
• Essex County College.
• Kean University, which hosts the Deshon Johnson Memorial Annual Scholarship, an ongoing award for full-time undergraduate or graduate students (minimum 3.0 GPA, preference for business-related majors and financial need). Recipients have included students like Xavier Gatson (2016) and Yulmy D. Grin Guzman (2022).

The foundation raises funds through charity fashion shows, dinners, performances, and Noneillah product sales. Events often feature models, artists, and community leaders, honoring Deshon's birthday (March 5) or anniversary of his passing. Beyond scholarships, DJCSF advocates for bus driver safety reforms, supports grieving parents who lost children to similar incidents, and promotes awareness of injustices in prosecutorial decisions.

Naomi's work through Noneillah Entertainment, including the Noneillah Talk Show, Podcast, and Magazine, amplifies these efforts, giving voice to victims' families while promoting emerging artists, poetry, and empowerment. Community honors for Deshon include a memorial tree and illuminated plaque in Bloomfield (sponsored by a local resident), proclamations from Bloomfield's Mayor and Council, and posthumous academic recognition.

Together, mother and son, through Noneillah's creative empire and the Deshon Johnson College Scholarship Foundation, continue to inspire resilience, education, and justice. Their shared story is one of turning profound loss into enduring positive impact, proving that one unique light can illuminate paths for generations.