"On the frontline for a brighter day"

Rep. Kenyatta Johnson (D-Philadelphia) was elected in 2008 to serve the 186th Legislative District, which includes parts of south and southwest Philadelphia.

His priorities in the state House include working to ensure that residents of the 186th District have safer neighborhoods, access to employment, quality education and homeownership opportunities.

He is a native of the Point Breeze section of the city and has been a dedicated leader in his community for over a decade. Spreading a message of inclusiveness, opportunity and peace, Johnson is involved in several neighborhood groups, including the Barrett Education Center, the Christian Street YMCA and the Tasker Street Baptist Church, his childhood house of worship.

He spent three years working with the Americorps Program: one year in the National School and Community Corps and two years with the City Year Program.

In 1998, Johnson established the group Peace Not Guns following the shooting death of a cousin and several friends. Along with conducting anti-violence rallies, Johnson has worked with more than 1,500 youths on conflict resolution, anger management and community outreach. He also has mentored first-time gun offenders.

He earned a bachelor's degree from Mansfield University in criminal justice, a master's degree from the University of Pennsylvania's Fels Institute of Government and a certificate from Harvard University's Business School.

He was the public safety and community outreach liaison for state Sen. Anthony Hardy Williams before being elected to the House.