Kenny Johnson, president and founder of Richmond Group Inc. and owner of The Little Gym of South Loop and Naperville has announced his intention to run for State Representative for the 26th District in the February 2008 election.
“I have watched the State of Illinois change and develop during my time here, some for the good and some not so good,” says Johnson. This decision is a move to return to his public service roots, which began when he worked for U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-2nd).
“I want to be a voice for people across my district,” says Johnson. The make-up of people who live in the 26th District is so diverse…including young newly-transplanted professionals to residents who have lived in the district for generations, as well as two-income families and those who can’t find work.” Johnson says he seriously wants to “reinvigorate our democracy,” so that people will want to take more of a role in their communities and future.
Kenny Johnson has emerged as a leader in defining urban-American culture. Johnson founded the Richmond Group in 2001, a full-service experiential marketing agency, embarking on an ambitious strategy to bring focus to the fastest growing consumer segment in the country. The Richmond Group has emerged as an influential marketing company and a dominant force in shaping urban lifestyle. The company’s existing business partnerships include BMW, Black Enterprise Magazine, Courvoisier, and Cadillac.
As a new father, Johnson is branching out beyond politics and marketing by opening two The Little Gym franchises in Chicago’s South Loop and suburban Naperville. The gyms focus on motor-skill development for children through sports skills, gymnastics and karate.
Johnson received a B.A. in Sociology with a minor in African-American Studies from the University of Virginia. He is a weekly columnist for, The Chicago Defender. He lives in Chicago’s South Loop with his wife Yolandra and son Kenny Johnson III. Johnson is a board member of Jobs for Youth and a member of Rainbow Push.
Johnson believes its is time for a change in Springfield and people deserve better. “I need a strong team of people working together throughout the 26th District neighborhoods, churches and community organizations,” explains Johnson. “What we do in the 26th District can be an example for the entire state.
0 Responses to “About Kenny”