Harvey Johnson Jr. facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Harvey Johnson Jr.
Speaking at a campaign rally at Belhaven Heights Park in Jackson, 2009
Mayor of Jackson, Mississippi
In office July 6, 2009 – July 1, 2013
Preceded by	Leslie B. McLemore (Interim)
Succeeded by	Chokwe Lumumba
In office July 7, 1997 – July 4, 2005
Preceded by	J. Kane Ditto
Succeeded by	Frank Melton
Personal details
Born	(1946-12-21) December 21, 1946 (age 78) Vicksburg, Mississippi, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Kathy Ezell
Website	Mayor's Office

Harvey Johnson Jr. (born December 21, 1946) is an American politician from Mississippi. He made history in 1997 when he was elected as the first African American Mayor of Jackson, Mississippi. He served two terms as mayor.

During his time as mayor, he was known for helping to bring new investments to the city. This helped to make the downtown area of Jackson more lively and modern. He ran for mayor again in 2009 and won. In 2013, he ran for a fourth term but was not re-elected.

Early Life and Education

Harvey Johnson Jr. was born in Vicksburg, Mississippi. He went to public schools in Vicksburg and graduated from Rosa A. Temple High School. After high school, he continued his education.

He earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Tennessee State University. Later, he received a master's degree in political science from the University of Cincinnati.

Professional Career

Before becoming mayor, Johnson had an interesting career. He started the Mississippi Institute of Small Towns. This group helped small towns with minority leaders. They focused on improving housing, community areas, and basic services.

In 1990, Governor Ray Mabus chose Johnson to serve on the state tax commission. This role involved overseeing the new gaming industry in the state.

Becoming Mayor of Jackson

Johnson first tried to become mayor of Jackson in 1993 but did not win. However, in 1997, he ran again. He won the Democratic primary election against the current mayor, J. Kane Ditto.

After that, he won the general election against Charlotte Reeves. This made him Jackson's first African-American mayor, a very important moment for the city.

First Terms as Mayor

Many people praised Mayor Johnson for helping Jackson grow. He led several projects to improve the downtown area. One big project was bringing new life to the Farish Street Neighborhood Historic District. He also helped pass a plan to fund a new convention center.

Some people had concerns during his time as mayor. They felt he did not focus enough on street maintenance. They also worried about people moving out of the city.

In 2001, Johnson ran for re-election. He won easily against C. Daryl Neely. This election was historic because it was the first time two African-American candidates ran against each other for mayor in Jackson.

Challenges and Later Elections

In 2005, Johnson faced a tough challenge from Frank Melton. Melton was a well-known TV personality. He promised to quickly solve the city's issues. Johnson lost the primary election to Melton.

Melton then became the next mayor of Jackson. Johnson is also a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. He is a deacon at the Hope Springs Missionary Baptist Church in Jackson.

Return to Office

In 2009, Harvey Johnson Jr. decided to run for mayor again. He was one of many candidates in the Democratic primary election. He finished first but did not get enough votes to win outright.

This meant he had to go into a runoff election against City Councilman Marshand Crisler. Johnson won the runoff election. He then easily defeated his Republican opponent, George Lambus, in the general election. This made him the first mayor of Jackson to serve three terms since Dale Danks.

Final Mayoral Campaign

In 2013, Johnson ran for re-election for his fourth term. However, he was defeated in the Democratic primary. Chokwe Lumumba, a Ward Two Councilman, and Jonathan Lee, a former Chamber of Commerce president, won more votes. Lumumba was elected mayor but sadly passed away in 2014.