Ben E. Johnson was born in Milwaukee in 1937. He went to Lincoln High School and
later earned a degree from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. Johnson began
working for the Milwaukee Journal in 1965 as a
circulation district sales manager and was also a community organizer for the Walnut
Way Improvement Council. He was elected Alderman of Milwaukee’s 6th Aldermanic
District in 1971, replacing Alderwoman Vel Phillips. Johnson was elected Milwaukee
Common Council President in 1976, becoming the first African American to hold that
title, a position he held until 1980.
Some of Johnson’s achievements include establishing an ethics code for City Officials
and legislation to create the Urban Home Study Program, also known as the $1 House
Program. This plan made home ownership possible for residents who repaired derelict
houses in Milwaukee. In 1980, Johnson was appointed City Clerk and served until
1984. Johnson later worked as a teacher as well as participating in various civic
activities. When he left the Common Council, Johnson’s then wife Marlene
Johnson-Odom, was elected to his old seat.
