The center provided young people with breakfast, tutoring, and mentoring programs, all supported by volunteers of the Black Panther Party.

Soon after his election, Johnny became the New Orleans delegation's floor leader and he was a founding member of the state's Legislative Black Caucus.

He also drafted legislation aimed at ensuring equal treatment of the city's gay and lesbian communities.

Johnny was a board member of Total Community Action Inc., New Orleans East Economic Development Foundation, Desire-Florida Area Community Council, Development Association of Wards and Neighborhoods, New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation, WWOZ, and the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club.

He was married to Ara Jean Parker and together had children Kevin, Jeanne, Johnann, Kenyatta and Johnny Jahi.