Meet Amani Johnson
A Son of Southfield
Amani Johnson is a lifelong Southfield resident, proud graduate of Southfield Public Schools (Go Chargers!), and a dedicated advocate for students and families.
Southfield is home. It’s where Amani grew up, where he built lifelong relationships, and where he learned firsthand the value of strong public schools and a strong community.
That experience shaped Amani’s commitment to service—and inspired him to give back to the district that helped shape his future.
Prior to his Board service, Amani served for 4 years on the Southfield Parks & Recreation Board and worked in the offices of the Southfield City Administrator, former Southfield Mayor Brenda Lawrence, and then-State Representative Jeremy Moss.
Amani graduated from Central Michigan University in 2018 with a B.S. in Public and Nonprofit Administration. Today, he works for the Michigan League of Conservation Voters as their Democracy For All Director, leading election protection efforts and nonpartisan direct voter contact programs.
In 2020, Amani became the youngest person elected to public office in Southfield history. For the past six years, Amani has proudly served on the Southfield Public Schools Board of Education, working to strengthen academics, invest responsibly in school facilities, and create more opportunities for every student.
Amani believes every child deserves access to a high-quality public education, safe and welcoming schools, and pathways that prepare them for success after graduation.
Delivering Results for Southfield Students
During his six years on the Southfield Public Schools Board of Education, Amani has helped lead major investments in Southfield schools while keeping students at the center of every decision.
Amani has championed stronger academics and expanded student opportunities, helping Southfield offer more educational pathways than any district in Oakland County—including career and technical education, performing arts, engineering, health sciences, entrepreneurship, and dual enrollment.
Under Amani’s leadership, Southfield voters overwhelmingly approved a $345 million bond in 2022 to modernize every school building across the district over the next decade. That investment is transforming outdated facilities—including addressing basic needs like air conditioning in buildings that went far too long without it—while creating safer, more modern learning environments for students and staff.
As Chair of both the Board’s Sustainability Committee and Construction Committee, Amani has worked to make sure those investments are thoughtful, forward-looking, and fiscally responsible. He successfully led the passage of district policies on waste reduction and sustainable facilities, along with sustainable design standards for new construction and major renovations—helping protect taxpayer dollars while building healthier schools for the future.
Amani is also leading efforts to pass a districtwide Climate Resilience and Sustainability policy focused on long-term savings, reliable infrastructure, student health, and preparing Southfield schools for the future.
Whether in the boardroom or out in the community, Amani believes leadership starts with listening—and that Southfield Public Schools are strongest when families, educators, and residents work together.
A Vision for What’s Next
Amani is running for re-election because Southfield deserves leadership rooted in this community and focused on the future.
He believes Southfield Public Schools should continue expanding opportunity for students, supporting educators, investing wisely in our buildings, and preparing young people for the world they’re stepping into.
Southfield invested in Amani.
Now he’s committed to continuing that work—and helping build an even stronger future for the next generation.
