Movita Johnson-Harrell facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Movita Johnson-Harrell
Member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from the 190th district
In office March 25, 2019 – December 13, 2019
Preceded by	Vanessa Lowery Brown
Succeeded by	G. Roni Green
Personal details
Born	Movita Johnson-Harrell (1966-04-21) April 21, 1966 (age 59)
Political party	Democratic
Residence	Philadelphia
Alma mater	University of Pennsylvania
Occupation	Politician

Movita Johnson-Harrell (born April 21, 1966) is an American politician from Pennsylvania. She was a member of the Democratic Party. She served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the 190th district. Her term was from March to December 2019. She was the first female Muslim person to serve in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. She later left her position in the House of Representatives.

Early Life and Education

Movita Johnson-Harrell was born on April 21, 1966. She grew up in Pennsylvania. Her family received support from welfare programs. They also lived in public housing. She worked hard to get an education. In 1999, she earned an associate's degree in behavioral health. She then earned a bachelor's degree in applied science in 2002. In 2004, she received a master's degree in social work. She earned this degree from the University of Pennsylvania.

Career and Community Work

Before becoming a politician, Johnson-Harrell worked in public service. She was a supervisor for victim services. This was at the Philadelphia District Attorney's office. She helped people who had been affected by crime.

In 2011, she started a foundation. It is called the CHARLES Foundation. She created it after her 18-year-old son, Charles André Johnson, passed away. He was shot by mistake. The foundation helps young people and their neighborhoods. It also supports "common-sense" gun control laws. This is to help reduce violence in communities.

Serving in the Pennsylvania House

Movita Johnson-Harrell was elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. This happened on March 12, 2019. It was a special election for the 190th district. The previous representative had left the position.

She was officially sworn into office on March 25, 2019. During her swearing-in, an event made news. Another state representative, Stephanie Borowicz, gave a prayer. Johnson-Harrell felt this prayer was not welcoming. She called it "weaponized prayer" and an example of Islamophobia.