Local influencers: Safiyyah & Sarauniya Johnson

Short bio: Safiyyah and Sarauniya Johnson live in the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston. They both are passionate about poetry, writing, music and social change. Safiyyah attends the Boston Arts Academy as an avid singer and Sarauniya attends Tech Boston Academy as a passionate writer and advocates for sexual health, working with Planned Parenthood. Both sisters are dedicated to addressing social issues such as police brutality, civil and gay rights, as well as sexual health and education.

Who has been your most influential mentor?

Safiyyah: I think my most influential mentor is my vocal coach Yury Shenkar. He has helped me not only further develop my skill as a vocalist, but also taught me the importance of commitment, regiment, and centering what I value most as an individual.

Sarauniya: My most influential mentor is my Get Real Teen Council Leader at Planned Parenthood, Shira Michelle. She has helped me become not only a better sexual health educator but also gave me an outlet to voice my opinion through public speaking.

How did you get where you are today?

With the support of our family, friends, and mentors all around us, we were able to gain the drive and passions we have to work towards the things we want to accomplish and the contributions we want to make.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Safiyyah: I see myself in college, studying hard at whatever I choose as my career path, whether it be as a music major or a law student.

Sarauniya: I see myself in college, studying creative writing to reach my goal of becoming a writer.

What about this city inspires you? The fast pace of the city keeps you energized and motivated. Also, how diverse and intertwined the people are, it makes you feel that you are accepted and the community supports your aspiration.

Finish these sentences:

Boston should be … a place where all people of any race, faith, sexual orientation, or culture can feel welcomed and supported by their fellow community members.

Boston could be … a safer and cleaner environment for anyone who lives here and anyone who will live here.

Boston wants to be … a beacon for social change that inspires the rest of the state, nation or even the world to follow suit.

Boston needs … a more reliable transportation system, more public art opportunities, more arts funding in schools.