Rep. Johnson, Jarvis

Biography

Jarvis Johnson has dedicated his life to making a difference in the lives of those around him. As a community organizer, entrepreneur, strategist, consultant, and developer he has worked for positive change that empowers the community and improves the lives of its citizens. For over thirty years, he has looked for opportunities to engage the community and local businesses to create a successful society that works for everyone.

He attended Texas Southern University, where despite his age, he offered himself as a role model and source of support for other young people. While attending TSU, Johnson accepted the position Executive Director for the Phoenix Outreach Youth Center. Not content to serve Houston alone, Johnson joined the International Traveling Classroom -taking students on college tours around the United States, while focusing on education and business opportunities. Jarvis Johnson's numerous contributions as a student were recognized, and he later received Texas Southern University President's Award. Johnson graduated from TSU in 1996 with his BS in Speech Communication with an emphasis on Interpersonal Communication. Following graduation, he accepted the position as Regional Director for the National DARE Plus Program, focusing his efforts on supporting local communities and keeping teens engaged in education.

In 2005, Jarvis Johnson was elected to the Houston City Council to represent District B, making him one of the youngest Council Members in history. By negotiating development within his district, Johnson was able to ensure people from the local community were hired, while also injecting the district with economic activity from new projects. One of his greatest achievements as a Council Member was securing a $3.5 million federal grant to establish a performing arts precinct for Texas Southern University in the 5th ward.

These efforts have been recognized both within Houston and at the national level. From the Houston Business Connection, Ebony, Black Enterprise, and Rolling Stone, the media has taken notice of Jarvis Johnson's record of service.

Since being elected to serve in May of 2016, Representative Jarvis Johnson has been busy creating opportunities for District 139. Just one week after his election, Representative Johnson hosted a job fair, bringing 45 companies and 650 community members together. Two weeks later, he held a Hawaiian Luau for 364 seniors. This event, allowed senior citizens to voice their concerns in a Town Hall meeting. He has also advocated for community engagement through the District 139 Youth Task Force, the Business Source Task Force, and the District 139 Student Internship Program. Given the diversity of the district, he will also host classes on both English as a second language, and Spanish.

Representative Johnson is a proven business owner, who places great emphasis on employing members of the community he loves. He is a native Houstonian and the father of two beautiful children. Nalyah, 18 and Jarvis II, 15.