[2] Johnson began her career as an educator working as the principal at the Philadelphia Association of Friends for the Instruction of Poor Children's infant department.
[2] Garnet was a black nationalist and it is possible that his philosophies influenced Johnson's activism in women suffrage.
[1] Around 1870 Johnson attended the National Convention of the Colored Men of America (NCCMA) in Washington, D.C. where she was the only female delegate.
Her presence there caused a debate, with some members arguing that the organization was for men only and others arguing that excluding Johnson because she was a woman was similar to African American men being excluded from government solely on the basis of race.
The side advocating her inclusion prevailed and Johnson maintained her seat as the delegate from Allegheny City.