When Kenyatta Johnson was sworn in as Philadelphia City Council’s new president, he officially began his second act in politics, writes Harrison Cann for City & State Pennsylvania.

His rise to the head of City Council was both the culmination of decades of political achievement and a final triumph in a years-long journey that put his career at stake, along with his freedom.

In January 2020, Johnson and his wife, Dawn Chavous, along with executives from local development company Universal, were indicted on federal charges that could have ended up in 40 years in prison.

But after a vigorous defense, both were acquitted in November 2022, and Johnson continued on the path that has made him one of City Hall’s most powerful people.

Now that he has concluded his personal turnaround, Johnson wants to do the same for Philadelphia. His priorities include gun violence, poverty, public education, housing, and business development.

Those are some of the same issues he saw disparities in growing up in Point Breeze.

“I’ve always seen the disparity in the resources my neighborhood had versus other neighborhoods across Philadelphia,” Johnson said.

While he is currently focused solely on his current term, Johnson said he is looking forward to “continuing this work for years to come.”

Read more about new Council President Kenyatta Johnson in City & State Pennsylvania.

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