Kenyatta Johnson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kenyatta Johnson
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| President of the Philadelphia City Council | |
| Assumed office January 2, 2024 |
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| Preceded by | Darrell L. Clarke |
| Member of the Philadelphia City Council from the 2nd District | |
| Assumed office January 2, 2012 |
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| Preceded by | Anna Verna |
| Member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from the 186th district |
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| In office January 6, 2009 – January 2, 2012 |
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| Preceded by | Harold James |
| Succeeded by | Harold James |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 30, 1973 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Dawn Chavous (m. 2012) |
| Alma mater | Mansfield University of Pennsylvania (BA) University of Pennsylvania (MGA) |
| Website | Official website: http://phlcouncil.com/council-members/councilman-kenyatta-johnson-2nd-district/kenyatta-johnson-biography/ |
Kenyatta J. Johnson (born October 30, 1973) is an American politician. He has been the president of the Philadelphia City Council since 2024. He is a member of the Democratic Party. Since 2012, he has represented the second district on the Council. This district includes parts of Center City, South, and Southwest Philadelphia.
Before joining the City Council, Johnson served as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. He represented the 186th district from 2009 to 2012.
Early Life and Education
Kenyatta Johnson was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on October 30, 1973. He attended Edward Bok High School and graduated in 1991.
He continued his studies at Mansfield University of Pennsylvania. In 1996, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in criminal justice. Later, in 2001, he received a Master of Government Administration from the Fels Institute of Government at the University of Pennsylvania.
Public Service and Community Work
Kenyatta Johnson has a strong background in community service. After his cousin was murdered, he started an organization called Peace Not Guns. Since 1998, he has worked to stop gun violence. He does this through education and programs that offer young people positive alternatives.
His dedication to activism led him into politics. He served as a State Representative for the 186th Legislative District from 2009 until 2012. Before that, he worked for six years as a staff member for State Senator Anthony H. Williams.
Johnson also volunteered for AmeriCorps. This is a national service organization where citizens help their communities. He was also one of the first staff members of City Year. City Year is a non-profit AmeriCorps group that encourages service to others.
In 2015, Johnson ran for re-election to the City Council. He won against real estate developer Ori Feibush. On January 2, 2024, Johnson was elected president of the Philadelphia City Council. He took over from Darrell L. Clarke, who had been president since 2012.
Personal Life
Kenyatta Johnson married Dawn Chavous in 2012. Dawn Chavous is a political consultant. She previously worked as chief of staff for State Senator Anthony H. Williams.
See Also
- List of members of Philadelphia City Council since 1952
