Full Text
Jahmel K. Robinson, B.S., M.A. Biography Jahmel K. Robinson was born in the inner-city of Albany, New York. While growing up, Jahmel was very involved in transforming his community through service. He was involved at his church where he spent Saturdays working the food pantry, visiting nursing homes, or helping seniors in the community with everyday chores. Jahmel, who sees the church as his foundation for life, would later become an ordained minister. During his work in ministry at the Metropoli- tan New Testament Mission Baptist Church, Jahmel was appointed to several positions includ- ing, Minister of Pastoral Initiatives, Minister of Technology and he currently serves as the Direc- tor of Ministry Operations, where he is responsible for the oversight of ministry objectives and leadership development. Jahmel believes that his life’s purpose and calling are not limited to just the church, he is cur- rently employed with the NYS Office of Health Insurance Programs as a Policy Analyst. In this role, Jahmel manages supportive housing contracts and programs that address the Social Deter- minants of Health of New York State’s Medicaid members. To make an even greater impact in his community, Jahmel decided in 2017 to run for a seat on the Albany Common Council. He was successful in his attempt, in November 2017, he was elected to serve as the Councilman for the 5th Ward, representing the Arbor Hill, West Hill, and West End Neighborhoods, the same neighborhoods where he grew up. Jahmel has dedicated himself to “Changing the Narrative” in his ward, his vision addresses economic development, ending urban blight, and increasing voter awareness. While serving on the Common Council, Jahmel has been a strong advocate for poli- cies that reduce poverty and protect tenants’ rights. Jahmel is also at the fore-front various social, economic and restorative justice issues. Jahmel currently serves on the Finance, Taxation and Assessment, Human Resources and Human Rights, Housing and Community Development Committees. Jahmel also serves as the 5th Ward Leader for the Albany County Democratic Committee. Despite being raised in the inner-city and in a single parent home, Jahmel decided to the beat the odds through education. In 2010, Jahmel graduated from with a B.S. in Human Development from SUNY Empire State College. In 2014, He graduated with a M.A. in Leadership from Lu- ther Rice University and Seminary. When asked about education, Jahmel often quotes Dr. Martin L. King, “Education must enable one to sift and weigh evidence, to discern the true from the false, the real from the unreal, and the facts from the fiction. “The function of education, there- fore, is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. But education which stops with efficiency may prove the greatest menace to society.” Jahmel serves as Vice-president on the Board of Trustees for Green Tech Charter High School. A High School that prepares young men to complete high school with a regents diploma so they will have the opportunity to attend col- lege or choose an alternative, responsible career path as they enter adulthood.