Meet Dr. Jamelia Brown, running for Richmond City Council, District 1
Jamelia is a dedicated advocate, a lifelong leader, a compassionate social worker, a resilient problem-solver, and a committed mother working tirelessly for the betterment of her Richmond community.
Born and raised in Richmond, Jamelia has dedicated her life to improving the lives of those around her, particularly the young people who face the daily challenges of gun violence, social instability, and lack of resources. Now, as a candidate for Richmond City Council in District 1, she is ready to bring her commitment to social justice, community engagement, and economic development to the forefront.
Jamelia’s passion for change began at 16 when she attended a Richmond charter school at risk of closing. She helped organize a fundraiser, securing a $10,000 donation and meeting with Mayor Irma Anderson to voice her concerns. This early advocacy experience sparked her lifelong commitment to social work, with even her former instructors predicting the impact she would one day have on her community. From winning a class president race in college to her current role as a juvenile justice clinician, Jamelia has consistently been a force for change.
Outside of her political aspirations, Jamelia’s life revolves around family and service. She is a mother of four, a role that she balances alongside her demanding career as a juvenile justice clinician and national addiction counselor. In her professional life, she serves four different counties, working directly with young people affected by addiction and the juvenile justice system. Her deep involvement in social work has shaped her perspective, making her acutely aware of the daily challenges that Richmond’s youth face.
Her love for Richmond runs deep. As a fourth-generation resident of District 1, Jamelia’s family roots are embedded in the Iron Triangle and Belding Wood areas, where she continues to live and work. Her strong community ties give her a unique perspective on the district’s issues, from gun violence to the lack of visibility and accountability from elected officials. She vividly recalls a moment that pushed her to take action: an incident that involved a 50-block chase from one city into another, during which a car was riddled with bullets without any police intervention throughout the entire chase. Of the four young people involved, three were shot and injured. Hearing officials describe the children as being “in the wrong place at the wrong time” was a turning point for Jamelia. “How can you say that about kids sitting in front of their house?” she asked, expressing frustration with the ongoing narrative that blames victims rather than addressing systemic issues.
Jamelia’s platform centers around her vision of “SEE a Better Richmond,” with SEE standing for Safety, Engagement, and Economic Resiliency. One of her main goals is to improve safety, especially in light of the gun violence affecting her district. Jamelia also wants to foster greater community engagement by ensuring that residents are aware of the many resources available to them. She recognizes that having hundreds of programs means little if they don’t reach the people who need them the most. To address this, Jamelia plans to hold more accessible town hall meetings and improve communication between neighborhood councils and city officials.
Economic revitalization is another key component of her platform. District One, with its rich history and unused potential, has many opportunities for growth. Jamelia envisions a future where Richmond becomes a vibrant city where people not only live but also choose to shop, dine, and spend time. By supporting small businesses, revitalizing unused spaces, and encouraging community pride, she aims to create a thriving economy that benefits everyone.
Jamelia’s political aspirations are deeply rooted in her love for Richmond and her desire to make it a safer, more prosperous place for all its residents. Her goal is to focus on the small, meaningful changes—like adding speed bumps in needed areas and making city council meetings more accessible—that will have a lasting impact. Ultimately, Jamelia is driven by a commitment to uplift her community, listen to its needs, and create a Richmond that future generations can be proud to call home.
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