Join us for a conversation with Kenyatta Johnson on his leadership, public service, and vision for Philadelphia. PCCP is excited to announce that after this week's sold out meeting with Lindsey Scannapieco, we are hosting Council President Kenyatta Johnson on Friday, April 24th. We expect another good crowd, so please sign up early. While you should know a fair amount about Council President Johnson, here is some background and we'll learn more about his priorities, career path, and aspirations when he comes to speak: Born and raised in South Philadelphia, Council President Johnson’s journey into public service began in 1998 with the start of his Peace Not Guns initiative which was founded after the tragic murder of his cousin. It was then that he began to organize anti-gun violence events and programs with other grassroots organizations to raise awareness. Council President Johnson’s leadership was recognized by his peers when he was elected as council president in 2024. In this role, he continues to prioritize the needs of his constituents, working tirelessly to address issues such as poverty, food insecurity, mental health issues, homelessness, and education disparities. Council President Johnson is also a staunch advocate for policies centered on economic development, job growth and creation, and diversity, equity, and inclusion – in both the private and public sectors – to help move the city of Philadelphia forward. His strategic vision and collaborative approach have been instrumental in fostering partnerships between the city government, local businesses, and community organizations. Council President Johnson is a graduate of the School District of Philadelphia. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Mansfield University and a Master’s in Government Administration from the Fels Institute at the University of Pennsylvania. Additionally, he completed the Governing for Non-Profit Excellence Certificate Program at the Harvard Business School. A Pennsylvania State Senate staffer for six years before running for the House of Representatives, Council President Johnson was a former volunteer for AmeriCorps, and a founding staff member of City Year, the non-profit AmeriCorps organization whose primary goal is to build advocacy through citizens’ service.​ Beyond his professional accomplishments, Council President Johnson is also a dedicated family man. He is married to Dawn Chavous and father to sons Isaiah Mandela and Elijah Kwame.