Our founders
Michael E. Johnson
Michael E. Johnson is a local community leader and founding partner of the Sankofa Humanitarian Project. He believes the elements of collaborative leadership and hard work are an unbeatable combination. Michael is dedicated to the “spirit of public services” and has been devoted to public service his whole life. He is the proud father of 3 adult children. Both his daughters work in public education and his son retired from the military after serving 21 years. Mr. Johnson himself is a 21 year, highly decorated, retired veteran of the Phoenix Police Department. So, his whole family is committed to public service. He was appointed to The Arizona Board of Executive Clemency Board in 2017, By the Governor of The State of Arizona. Johnson is a former founding partner of Johnson-Neely Public Strategies. A boutique government relations firm which provides services in public policy advocacy, community relations, business development, diversity impact and association management. He also served on Phoenix City Council for 3 consecutive terms from 2001 to 2013 prior to terming out. During his time on the City Council, he was elected as Vice Mayor 3 times by his peers on The Phoenix City Council. Johnson has more than 21 years of service in the Phoenix Police Department, where he was honored as Detective ofthe Year in 1992 and retired in 1995 as a homicide investigator. Mr. Johnson’s background also includes entrepreneurship. When he briefly joined the private sector after opening Nkosi, Inc. in 1996, a security and investigation firm, where he served as president and chief executive officer until he began his first term in public office. . He is also a prostate cancer survivor and has served as an advocate for prostate cancer awareness. Mr. Johnson has received numerous awards for his outstanding leadership, commitment and dedication to the community and public services. He continues to serve and volunteer his time to the improvement and betterment of life for others.
Beatrice X Johnson
Beatrice X Johnson is an International social justice activist with emphasis on ending police violence in this country for over 3 decades that began in 1985 and she is affectionately known as Aunt Bee !
She began began her activism work in the 5th grade at Grace Court Elementary and Jr. High in Phoenix , Arizona in in 1974 while in 5th grade her 5th grade teacher never spoke to her, acknowledged her or raised hand throughout the year , she only called her name at roll call Beatrice was isl isolated in 1975 when she entered 6th grade she and a few other classmates rebelled against the practice of racism and significant changes were made .
In July of 1982 she moved to San Diego , Ca where she continued here activism always believing all human beings deserved equal rights .
In 2000 she relocated to Oakland, Ca were she continued her activism work .
On December 21, 2021 along with Co-Founder Michael Johnson
Sankofa Humanitarian Project was established in Phoenix , Az .
Only 4 months later her life would drastically change when on April 26, 2022 her older sister Dorothy Jean Dale-Chambers and her companion Joseph Gutierrez was struck and killed by vehicle homicide while they walked across the street at a marked crossing . She and her family have been fighting non stop for 2 years demanding accountability of two stolen lives. Dorothy laid in the morgue 8 days her family was never notified the family learned of her death while doing their weekly family welfare check , her Arizona id listed her next of address.
Her beloved sister death has only strengthened her commitment for those who are suffering from lack of mental health care and homelessness .
“Dorothy Jean Dale-Chambers and Joseph Gutierrez and the unsheltered community are not throwaways .
They deserve Humanitarian Aid In Life And DignityIn Death “
Beatrice X Johnson
Beatrice X Johnson
is a recipient of the Mawina Kuyyate Award (http://www.revolutionaryafricanwomen.net/remembering-mawina.html#.YWCBXNrMJkK) and the Momz That Rock Award (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/prestigious-eventz-presents-the-momz-that-rock-mothers-day-brunch-tickets-10344790547) and many more awards
Beatrice X Johnson also known as Auntie Bee is a community organizer, activist and works to bring about an atmosphere of social justice and family relationship throughout the United States and across the world.