Rep. Johnson is pictured with the seven Philadelphians he reconized on the House floor in honor of Women's History Month. From left, seated: Dorothy Allen, Emma Wilson, Josephine Blow, Dr. Minnie Moore-Johnson, Lillian Ray and Lois Fernandez; standing: House Speaker Keith McCall, Betty Richardson Smoot and Johnson. - 3/18/2009 Photo/PA House of Rep Media Center
In a city that thrives on great challenges and is famed for cheering for the underdog, State Representative Kenyatta Johnson is trying to succeed in overcoming the odds on a very important issue to it's future: the elimination of the culture of violence that has been like a cancer on it's soul and threatens to destroy countless of lives.
Johnson has spearheaded the efforts for the initial Peace Not Guns Youth Town Hall Meeting, which is taking plce December 10 at South Philadelphia High School from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
State Rep. Kenyatta Johnson, D-Phila., introduced a resolution (H.R. 369), which was adopted by the House, to recognize the achievements of Shelleah Jackson, center, a gifted and articulate young Pennsylvanian who is an avid supporter of literacy programs for all residents. An honor-roll freshman at Wissahickon High School, Shelleah has already authored two books and is currently planning a book-signing tour to promote literacy. - 7/1/2009 Photo/PA House of Rep Media Center
Dr. Marc Lamont Hill, the political pundit who is a regular at Fox News, will speak at the event.
There will also be a distinguished panel, which includes actor Hosea Chanchez ("The Game"), author Teri Woods, Court of Common Pleas Judge Paula Patrick, Philadelphia District Attorney-Elect Seth Williams, Jamira Burley of the Philadelphia Youth Commission and Temple Law student Kevin Harden, Jr.
The event is an extension of the movement Johnson has been leading with his organization Peace Not Guns, Inc., which Johnson was inspired to create as reaction to a personal tragedy.
"I started Peace Not Guns, Inc. in 1998 after the murder of my cousin, Sultan "Chick" Chandler", he says. "It was from this tragedy that I was able to reflect on the path that I was headed down and the condition of my community as a whole. I decided to create a movement that would combat the violence that plagued my neighborhood."
"Over the years, Peace Not Guns, Inc. has implemented various programs that have helped over 1500 youths stay on the right path", he continues. "Although, as a legislator, I do not hold an official position with the organization, the safety of our youth an continues to be a top priority and this led me to creating the Peace Not Guns Caucus in Harrisburg."
State Rep. Kenyatta Johnson, D-Phila., holds a news conference in support of reinstating $1.3 million in the 2009-10 state budget, as well as expanding funding, for the Pennsylvania Injury Reporting and Intervention System, a unique response to gun violence that combines monitoring and intervention services for young gunshot victims. Deborah Goode, whose son was shot seven times, attended the conference to commend the PIRIS program for its success with her son. - 6/17/2009 Photo/PA House of Rep Media Center
"The Peace Not Guns Youth Town Hall Meeting is my way of giving youth the chance to talk about the violence in their community and resolve to eliminate the violent behavior in their neighborhoods.
While Johnson realizes one event will not solve a seemingly intractable problem overnight and that similar efforts have failed to make an impact, he is confident the Peace Not Guns Town Hall Meeting will be an important first step.
"The first thing that I - and our society in general - has to realize is that this problem will not go away by planning a multitude of events that merely give an attendeesthe chance to vent", he says. "It's important that we have a strategy in place that includes engagement, involvement and follow-up. The Peace Not Guns Youth Town Hall Meeting is an opportunity to engage our attendees - specifically our youth - in a discussion about what's going on, how they are affected and how to avoid becoming a product of a negative environment."
State Rep. Kenyatta Johnson, D-Phila., speaks at a news conference held by members of the Philadelphia Delegation and Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus to oppose the federal Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act (S. 845/Thune Amendment), which would allow a person from one state to carry a concealed firearm in another state. The measure was defeated by the U.S. Senate. - 7/22/2009 Photo/PA House of Rep Media Center
"In addition", he adds. "Partners of Peace are organizations assisting me in my efforts by ensuring that our youth have the resources they need to stay on the right path by getting involved in positive programs. Lastly, we will follow-up and make sure myself and our Partners of Peace remain committed to making this a continuous effort that does not end with this event.
Johnson feels that through community activism and the legislative process Peace Not Guns, Inc. can ultimately achieve success.
"There are so many different factors that play a role in why people commit violence and I'm not sure if having absolute power over gun control is the answer", he says. ""However, if I had absolute power I would make sure every family has gainful employment, students all have a quality education and that there are youth employment opportunities."
"The Peace Not Guns Youth Town Hall Meeting will help people realize that guns and violence are not the solutions and help an entire generation realize that they have the power to choose between peace and violence. Legislation can help us provide funding for youth to get involved with after-school programs and youth employment opportunities."
Johnson feel that Dr. Hill's attendance and Power 99's sponsorship of the event will give it more allure and ultimately make it more effective.
"This event was part of an overall strategy to bring our youth face-to-face with individuals who were able to succeed against the odds and not let their environment determine who they were destined to become", he says. "Dr. Hill is a Philadelphia native who personifies this message. Power 99 is a strong media outlet that speaks to our youth. Once they agreed to get involved we were excited that such a powerful outlet would help us speak to the youth about the Peace Not Guns Youth Town Hall Meeting."
"I would like to see youth across the city at this event", Johnson concludes. "One thing we have to remember is that violence has no barriers. If this event helps change the path of one youth, that means we may have possibly changes the path of a person, family or community who could have been affected by the violent actions of that youth."
