Harvey Johnson positioned to be first Black mayor of Jackson, MS

Jet, June 2, 1997

After an overwhelming win in the Democratic primary, Harvey Johnson has positioned himself to become the first Black mayor of Jackson, MS.

"It wasn't easy" Johnson said of his victory.

Johnson defeated five Democrats and will face Republican Charlotte Reeves and independent Ivory Phillips, who is Black, in the election.

While he would be proud to be Jackson's first Black mayor, Johnson told Jet he wants people in Jackson, which is 60 percent Black, to choose him based on his qualifications.

"I can do the job and make you proud," Johnson said.

He is currently director of the Mississippi Institute for Small Towns. He served as a member of the State Tax Commission and on numerous other boards. He was an assistant professor at Jackson State University, and he has been involved in community development for more than 20 years.

This is Johnson's second attempt at the office. He unsuccessfully ran four years ago, but right after that loss he put his current campaign into motion. His grassroots approach has included walking door to door, speaking in churches and visiting barber shops and beauty salons to get the word out that he is the best choice for mayor in Mississippi's largest city.