PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — One of Philadelphia’s most prominent anti-gun violence activists is stepping away from his on-the-ground work and passing the torch to the next generation to keep up the fight.
Family, friends and supporters of Jamal Johnson gathered at the Ritz Carlton Residences in Center City on Sunday to celebrate his work and wish him a happy retirement.
Johnson spent nearly a decade pushing Philly’s gun violence crisis to the forefront of the city and country. He led seven 150-mile walking trips to Washington, D.C., another to Harrisburg, and a 26-day hunger strike, to name a few of his efforts.
His tireless work was first noticed by Councilmember Jamie Gauthier after her bill passed City Council, which asked Mayor Jim Kenney to declare a state of emergency on gun violence in the city. Kenney denied the request, but Johnson responded by showing up on the mayor’s doorstep every day to read the resolution word for word through a bullhorn.
Gauthier learned of Johnson’s early-morning tactics and met with him.
“And I said, ‘Well, the mayor refused to do it.’ And he’s like, ‘So what? What are you gonna do about that?’” Gauthier recalled.
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Johnson would then go on to start a 26-day hunger strike to force the mayor’s hand. It was an approach to activism that would earn Johnson both ire and respect, though Gauthier always admired his message.
“Everybody can be a part of the solution,” she added. “If all you do is stand up on your block and watch what’s going on, and look out for your fellow neighbor, you’re being part of the solution.”
But now, 66-year-old Johnson said it’s time to pursue other issues beyond the city.
“I think the youth need to take this over,” he said. “I kind of pass it on to the young men, the stuff I do, in hopes that he’ll continue that.”
Mentee and new torchbearer Marc Postell called Johnson’s style selfless and relentless. He admitted he doesn’t believe anyone will ever quite be like Johnson.
“We can try to follow in his footsteps but ain’t no filling his shoes, man. That’s like striving for perfection,” he said, “but we can strive.”
And strive Postell will, as will everyone filling the void left by Johnson. “I’m gonna put my best foot forward and do the best I can and attack it the same way he did, just in my own way.”