Due to the recent horrific murder of his sister, Chyniquia Johnson, bluesman Keith Johnson was compelled to speak up about domestic violence.
Mr. Johnson, known as the “Prince of the Delta Blues” and great-nephew of Muddy Waters, is now an official spokesperson for the Mississippi Coalition Against Domestic Violence (MCADV).
On June 20, 2024, Chyniquia Johnson (a 33-year-old native of Glen Allan, MS) was tragically gunned down in Greenville, Mississippi by her boyfriend of 11 years as their tumultuous relationship was ending.
Ms. Vera Johnson, program specialist with MCADV, said, “We are ecstatic that Keith Johnson has been moved to share his microphone with the efforts to eradicate domestic violence. Everyone knows someone who has been impacted by domestic violence, and we know that Keith’s message will impact many to seek safety.”
During a recent interview, Mr. Johnson said, “My family and I saw the signs of abuse and domestic violence that escalated over the years but felt helpless to separate Chyniquia from her abusive relationship.”
As a result of this tragic event, he believes it’s best to use his platform as a public figure to sound the alarm and get the word out regarding the consequences of an abusive relationship. Mr. Johnson said, “The murder of my sister has given me and my family the courage to speak out about domestic violence in a more publicly visible way to help others who may be victims of such a pervasive and insidious scourge that is so often unspoken about in the African American community.”
In his new capacity as an official MCADV spokesperson, Mr. Johnson will be available to participate in Coalition-sponsored and sanctioned events and visit schools to alert the community about domestic violence issues. He will also inform his music audiences about domestic violence from his stages when permissible by promoters of blues shows.
The MCADV’s mission statement is: “We provide support for member shelter programs through training, technical assistance, and capacity building; advocate for public policy that supports victims; and seek to change societal attitudes and beliefs through awareness and prevention activities in communities throughout Mississippi. MCADV does not provide direct services for victims of domestic violence but supports the twelve-member shelter programs that offer services throughout Mississippi. We can help victims to find the support they need in their local communities.”
For additional information regarding the Mississippi Coalition Against Domestic Violence, call Ms. Vera Johnson, program specialist, and Ms. LaVerne Jackson, executive director, at 601-981-9196. The office of the Mississippi Coalition Against Domestic Violence also can be contacted at P.O. Box 4703, Jackson, MS 39296 and/or visit www.mcadv.org.
