Advisory Neighborhood Commission 7B02

Jamaal Maurice McCants-Pearsall

Hillcrest, Southeast Washington, DC · Ward 7

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  • Howard University School of Law
  • Audrey Cohen College
  • Metropolitan College · Regents University of London
  • Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
  • National Black MBA Association
  • National Association of Black Journalists
  • American Public Health Association
  • Hillcrest Civic Association
Portrait of Jamaal Maurice McCants-Pearsall ANC 7B02

01 · About me

A proud resident of Hillcrest, working for the place he calls home.

Hello, I’m Jamaal Maurice McCants-Pearsall and I’m a proud resident of Hillcrest in Southeast Washington, DC. I’m a graduate of Audrey Cohen College, Metropolitan College-Regents University of London, and Howard University School of Law. I’m also a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated, National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA), National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), American Public Health Association (APHA) and the Hillcrest Civic Association.

15+
Years in public health
7B02
Single member district
Ward 7
Southeast Washington

02 · The platform

Why did I run?

01
“(Our) kids lack access to quality… opportunities.”

I ran for Ward 7 Advisory Neighborhood Commission (7B02) because I’m the proud father of two sons and I’m not pleased with the state of our educational system—by all accounts, it has become a prison pipeline—Overall, our kids lack access to quality and equitable personal and professional development opportunities. That’s why I remain committed to ensuring that the youth of the District of Columbia, specifically in ANC 7B02, have access to safe play and educational spaces. I understand that modern recreation centers, after-school and mentoring programs enrich youth development and provide them with the tools and resources to navigate the challenges that many children in urban centers face. Every child in Ward 7 should have access to the same opportunities as children in other wards.

02
“Health care is a right…”

Not only have I spent my career calling out and dismantling racist policies that impede upon the rights and well-being of historically marginalized communities, but I’ve also remained dedicated to advancing health equity by holding elected officials accountable to ensure that their constituents can live a healthy and prosperous life. I firmly believe that access to comprehensive and culturally reflective health care and medical coverage is a right, not a privilege.

03
“Address… barriers to care for Black and Latinx communities.”

I’ve spent the past 15 years building a public health career that centers on the lived experiences of Black and Latinx communities. Through my work with federal health agencies, local governments, and nonprofits, I’ve developed programs and policies that address the social and structural determinants of health—a lack of access to medical coverage and care, educational and employment opportunities, affordable and safe housing—that present as barriers to care for Black and Latinx communities.

04
“Homeownership… shouldn’t be a privilege only afforded to the rich.”

I’m equally passionate about addressing and finding solutions that enable Black and Latinx people the ability to purchase affordable homes throughout Ward 7, especially in ANC 7B02. Homeownership in the District of Columbia shouldn’t be a privilege only afforded to the rich. Owning a home is the first step in wealth building, and Black and Latinx people must be allowed to partake in the so-called “American Dream.” I plan to work with the Mayor’s Office, City Council, developers, and philanthropic organizations to ensure that the residents of ANC 7B02 have access to low-interest lenders, first-time homebuyer programs, and grants. It would have been impossible for me to become a homeowner if it had not been for a first-time owner program.

For me, there’s no other time than now to make a change in the place I call home, ANC 7B02.

03 · Commitments

My pledge

Signature of Jamaal Maurice McCants-Pearsall
  1. Ensure Affordable & Safe Housing and Homeownership Opportunities
  2. Partner with minority-led and serving community-based organizations to expand access to medical coverage and culturally competent care
  3. Develop Mentorship Programming and Educational Spaces for Youth
  4. Work with MPD and City Officials to Improve Public Safety
  5. Advocate and Increase Funding for Infrastructure
  6. Enhance Resident Communication
  7. Provide a Business-Friendly Environment

04 · Connect

Let’s work on 7B02 together.

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