05/18/2026
We are so excited to share who our Distinguished Guest Speaker for our 2nd Annual Gala will be. Make sure to secure your sponsorships and seats for the event so you don't miss getting to hear Rahman K. Johnson, Ph.D. speak. He is a trailblazer in Public Service, Media, and Education!
Dr. Rahman Johnson is a dedicated public servant committed to driving change in Jacksonville and beyond. Elected to the Jacksonville City Council in 2023 to represent the Westside, he brings a bold, forward-thinking approach to governance. He is working to blend innovation, advocacy, and community empowerment for the betterment of Jacksonville.
Dr. Johnson's journey from the classrooms of Jean Ribault High School to earning degrees from Edward Waters (B.A.), Seton Hall (M.A.), and Jackson State Universities (Ph.D.) are a testament to his unwavering dedication to education. His career spans journalism, entertainment, and strategic communications, making him one of the most versatile voices in leadership today.
With a broadcasting career touching audiences worldwide, Dr. Johnson has made an indelible mark in film, television, and radio. He has been featured in EBONY Magazine, Influence Magazine, USA Today, and The London Times. Johnson was the host of an award-winning daily show on Nickelodeon and has been recognized as one of The Florida Times-Union's "10 to Watch for the Decade". He was also voted Professor of the Year during his tenure at Edward Waters University.
Beyond media, Dr. Johnson’s heart beats for service. His leadership spans numerous boards and initiatives, including the Jacksonville Civil Rights Task Force, the LaVilla Gateway Project Steering Committee, the Mimi and Lee Adams Environmental Board, the Guardian Schools Board, the National Association of Black Journalists, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., the Sickle Cell Disease Association, SAG-AFTRA, the Society of Professional Journalists, and the United Nations Association of the United States, among many others.
On the City of Jacksonville council, Dr. Johnson is a champion for smart urban development. He is a member of the Land Use and Zoning and Transportation, Energy & Utilities standing committees, the Personnel Committee and serves as liaison to the Jacksonville Public Library, the Jacksonville Transportation Authority and the Mayor’s Council on Fitness and Well-Being. Johnson also serves as a Board Member for the Florida League of Cities.
A celebrated writer, Dr. Johnson authored Living, Loving, Letting Go, an award-winning poetry collection recognized by the American Library Association as Book of the Year. His lifelong commitment to service, storytelling, and social impact makes him a force for positive change—always striving to uplift communities and create a future where every voice is heard.
