Council President Kenyatta J. Johnson
Philadelphia City Council President | 2nd Council District
Kenyatta J. Johnson (born October 30, 1973) is a lifelong Philadelphian, public servant, and advocate for social justice who currently serves as President of the Philadelphia City Council. A member of the Democratic Party, he has represented the city’s 2nd Council District—encompassing parts of Center City, South Philadelphia, and Southwest Philadelphia—since 2012. In 2024, Johnson was elected by his peers to serve as Council President, making him one of the most influential figures in city government.
Early Life and Education
Born and raised in South Philadelphia, Johnson was shaped by the challenges and promise of urban life. He is the son of Gregory White and Yvonne Martin and a proud graduate of Edward Bok High School (1991). Johnson earned his Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Mansfield University of Pennsylvania in 1996 and went on to receive a Master of Government Administration from the University of Pennsylvania’s Fels Institute of Government in 2001. He also completed the Governing for Nonprofit Excellence Program at Harvard Business School.
Path to Public Service
Johnson’s political journey is rooted in community activism. After the tragic murder of his cousin, he founded Peace Not Guns in 1998, a grassroots initiative focused on curbing gun violence through youth engagement and alternatives to street life. His passion for service led to roles as an AmeriCorps volunteer and a founding staff member of City Year Philadelphia, where he worked to empower young people through civic engagement.
Before running for office, Johnson served for six years as a staffer to State Senator Anthony H. Williams. In 2008, he was elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, representing the 186th Legislative District until 2012. During his time in Harrisburg, he advocated for public education funding, economic development, and anti-violence strategies.
City Council Leadership
In 2011, Johnson made history by becoming the first African American elected to represent the 2nd Council District, succeeding the late Council President Anna C. Verna. As a City Councilmember, Johnson has focused on equity-driven development, affordable housing, gun violence prevention, youth empowerment, and the revitalization of underserved neighborhoods.
Key legislative accomplishments include:
-
Expanding the Longtime Owner Occupant Program (LOOP) to prevent displacement due to rising property taxes.
-
Championing affordable housing initiatives while encouraging balanced neighborhood development.
-
Outlawing 3D-printed guns and realistic toy guns, and increasing penalties for BB gun sales to minors.
-
Fighting school closures and increasing support for neighborhood “Friends Of” school groups.
-
Securing over $3 million in capital investments for public parks, playgrounds, and recreation centers.
In January 2024, Johnson was unanimously elected Council President, a role through which he now leads the legislative body of the nation’s sixth-largest city. He continues to push for policies that address poverty, mental health, education inequality, and economic justice.
Federal Indictment and Acquittal
In 2020, Johnson and his wife, political consultant Dawn Chavous, faced a high-profile federal indictment related to zoning decisions in his district. The case ended in a mistrial in 2022 and, following a retrial, Johnson was fully acquitted. The legal process reaffirmed his commitment to ethical public service and strengthened his resolve to fight for transparency and fairness in city governance.
Community Investment and Vision
Council President Johnson believes in smart, inclusive development that protects vulnerable populations such as low-income residents and seniors. His approach emphasizes building bridges between longtime residents and new neighbors, fostering diverse and resilient communities.
His focus areas include:
-
Tax relief and equitable development for working families.
-
Youth and education advocacy, particularly in under-resourced schools.
-
Violence prevention programs rooted in community empowerment.
-
Economic growth, job creation, and minority business support.
-
Sustainable public spaces and recreational infrastructure improvements.
Personal Life
Johnson is a devoted family man. He married political strategist Dawn Chavous in 2012. Together, they have two sons, Isaiah Mandela and Elijah Kwame. He remains active in his community, faith-centered, and grounded in the same South Philadelphia streets that first inspired his call to serve.
Council President Kenyatta Johnson: Bridging communities. Advancing equity. Leading with purpose.