Otis Johnson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Honorable
Otis Samuel Johnson
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| 64th Mayor of Savannah, Georgia | |
| In office 2004–2012 |
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| Preceded by | Floyd Adams Jr. |
| Succeeded by | Edna Jackson |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 3, 1942 Savannah, Georgia, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Residences | Savannah, Georgia, U.S. |
| Alma mater | A.E. Beach High School Armstrong Junior College University of Georgia Clark Atlanta University Brandeis University |
| Profession | Educator |
| Website | official site: http://www.ci.savannah.ga.us/cityweb/webdatabase.nsf/E12F5A82DA01561685256AB6006C3E62/3F6DC97D79C23C2D85256AB7004832F7 |
Otis Samuel Johnson (born in 1942) is an American social worker, teacher, and politician. He is from Georgia, in the United States. Mr. Johnson served as the Mayor of Savannah from 2004 to 2012. He is a member of the Democratic Party.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Otis Johnson grew up in Savannah, Georgia. He graduated from A.E. Beach High School in 1960. He then attended Armstrong Junior College (now Armstrong State University). In 1964, he became the first African American to graduate from that school.
He continued his studies at the University of Georgia, earning a bachelor's degree in 1967. From 1959 to 1965, he served in the U.S. Naval Reserve. Later, he earned a master's degree in social work from Clark Atlanta University in 1969. In 1980, he received his Ph.D. from Brandeis University.
Before becoming mayor, Johnson worked for different organizations. These included the Economic Opportunity Authority and the Model Cities Program. He also worked at Savannah State University. He helped lead the Chatham Savannah Youth Futures Authority, which focused on helping young people.
Political Journey
Serving the City
From 1982 to 1988, Johnson was an Alderman for District #2 in Savannah. An Alderman is a local leader who helps make decisions for a specific part of the city. He left this role in 1988 to lead the Chatham Savannah Youth Futures Authority.
Helping Schools
In 1999, Johnson began a four-year term on the Savannah-Chatham County Board of Education. This board helps manage and improve the local school system.
Becoming Mayor
In November 2003, Otis Johnson was elected as the Mayor of Savannah. He won against several other candidates and took office in January 2004.
As mayor, he focused on important issues for the city. In 2005, he encouraged the community to work together to lower the crime rate. He held meetings to discuss how to make neighborhoods safer.
In 2007, Mayor Johnson announced he would run for reelection. His campaign focused on improving neighborhoods, reducing crime, and creating more affordable housing. During his campaign, Savannah was named a "Preserve America" city. This means the city works to protect its history and culture.
On November 6, 2007, Johnson won his second term as Mayor. He received many more votes than his opponents. In 2008, he supported Barack Obama in the presidential election.
Personal Life
In 2006, Otis Johnson had a heart attack while at a conference. He was in the hospital for several weeks but made a full recovery.
Images for kids
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Otis Samuel Johnson
