Harvey Johnson Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Harvey Johnson Jr.
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Speaking at a campaign rally at Belhaven Heights Park in Jackson, 2009
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| Mayor of Jackson, Mississippi | |
| In office July 6, 2009 – July 1, 2013 |
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| Preceded by | Leslie B. McLemore (Interim) |
| Succeeded by | Chokwe Lumumba |
| In office July 7, 1997 – July 4, 2005 |
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| Preceded by | J. Kane Ditto |
| Succeeded by | Frank Melton |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 21, 1946 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.
He was known for helping to bring new investments into the city. This helped to make the downtown area more lively. He ran for mayor again in 2009 and won. In 2013, he ran for a fourth term but was not re-elected.
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About Harvey Johnson Jr.
Harvey Johnson Jr. was born in Vicksburg, Mississippi. He went to public schools there and graduated from Rosa A. Temple High School. 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.
His Early Career
Before becoming mayor, Johnson founded the Mississippi Institute of Small Towns. This was a non-profit group. It helped small towns with minority leaders. The group focused on housing, community development, and improving basic services.
In 1990, Governor Ray Mabus appointed Johnson to the state tax commission. He served a six-year term. This role included overseeing the new gaming industry in the state.
Becoming Mayor of Jackson
In 1993, Johnson first ran for mayor of Jackson. He did not win that election. However, in 1997, he ran again and won the Democratic primary. He then defeated his Republican opponent, Charlotte Reeves. This made him Jackson's first African-American mayor.
What He Achieved as Mayor
Many people praised Johnson for bringing big changes to Jackson. He led several projects to improve the downtown area. One important project was the renewal of the Farish Street Neighborhood Historic District. He also helped pass a plan to build a new convention center.
Some people felt he could have done more to fix city streets. They also wanted him to encourage more people to stay in Jackson.
Re-election and Challenges
In 2001, Johnson ran for re-election. He faced C. Daryl Neely, a city councilman. This was the first time two African-American candidates ran against each other for mayor in Jackson. Johnson won easily with 61% of the votes.
In 2005, Johnson faced a new challenger, Frank Melton. Melton was a TV station manager. He focused his campaign on public safety. Johnson lost the primary election to Melton. Melton then became the next mayor of Jackson.
Life Outside Politics
Johnson is a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. He is also a deacon at the Hope Springs Missionary Baptist Church in Jackson, Mississippi.
Returning to Office in 2009
In early 2009, Johnson decided to run for mayor again. He was one of ten candidates in the Democratic primary election. He received 28% of the votes. This meant he had to go into a runoff election.
He faced City Councilman Marshand Crisler in the runoff. Johnson won the runoff election. He then easily defeated his Republican opponent, George Lambus, in the general election. This made Harvey Johnson Jr. the first mayor of Jackson to serve three terms since Dale Danks.
End of His Mayoral Terms
In 2013, Johnson ran for re-election for a fourth term. However, he was defeated in the Democratic primary. Chokwe Lumumba, a city councilman, and Jonathan Lee were the top candidates. Lumumba was elected mayor but sadly passed away in 2014.
