June is the co-founder of New Concept Development Center, Inc. Her non-profit social service agency focused on critical community issues such as mental health, teen pregnancy, juvenile delinquency, employment and case management for HIV clients. New Concept often collaborated with Sykes who was then CEO of the Social Development Commission.

With her leadership at New Concept Development Center, June:

Developed the first prenatal care program which became the model for Title XIX of the Social Security Act. Title XIX authorizes Medicaid programs that provide health coverage to people experiencing poverty – especially pregnant women, parents with young children, people with disabilities and the elderly.
Developed Milwaukee’s first Fathers Resource Center and first-time juvenile offenders program that became a model for Milwaukee County.
Authored a blue-ribbon report on teen pregnancy prevention for the City of Milwaukee.
Launched the city’s first girls mentoring program at the Hillside housing complex in 1978.
Created a youth motivation seminar for role models and youth, and developed its first youth-managed and youth-operated business through its youth entrepreneurship program.
Through her work, June has improved life for many Milwaukee families and individuals. When she retired, her organization had served more than 2,000 families a year with an operating budget of $2.5 million. June has worked tirelessly to make a difference in our community.

In partnership with her daughter, Krystle C.M. Perry, June is the owner of Best Ed Business, providing office design and furniture, office supplies, PPE and strategic sourcing. Through Best Ed, June and Krystle strive to deliver an intergenerational, minority and women owned business that paves the way for others and provides exemplary service. Their family motto is “if it is to be, it is up to me”.

Johnson was also a community organizer for the Walnut Way Improvement Council. Johnson identified residents experiencing poverty and helped them access critical services including health care and education.

In 1971, Johnson was elected to replace Alderwoman Vel R. Phillips to represent the 6th Aldermanic District. In 1976, he became the first African American Milwaukee Common Council President serving until 1980.

One of Johnson’s biggest accomplishments was the creation of a program affectionately known as the “$1 House” program. This important initiative made home ownership attainable for many Milwaukee residents who purchased and repaired dilapidated homes in city neighborhoods.

After serving on the Milwaukee Common Council, Johnson was appointed Milwaukee City Clerk. He served four years in the position.

Eventually, Johnson left government and worked as a management consultant. Later he accepted a position with Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) providing small business start-up assistance at the Milwaukee Enterprise Center. He has taught government and business classes for University of Wisconsin Milwaukee and MATC.

Volunteer and civic activities include chairing several boards and committees including: The Social Development Commission, the U.S. Panama Canal Treaty Advisory Commission and the White House Council on Economic Development.

He is presently on the boards of Urban Strategies Inc. and Northcott Neighborhood House. Ben Johnson is a life member of the NAACP.

Today Johnson is revered for his efforts to create vibrant, affordable subdivisions including Halyard Park, Richardson Subdivision and Lindsay Heights.