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Dr. Jamelia Brown, DSW, SUDCC IV, NCAC I, SAP
Dr. Jamelia Brown is a dedicated educator, counselor, advocate, and community leader committed to uplifting and empowering others. Hailing from Richmond, CA, and raised in the heart of the Iron Triangle, she emerged from WCCUSD schools such as Coronado, Helms, Richmond HS, Kennedy, and Alternative Learning, fueled by pure determination to make a positive difference in her community. Following her foundational education, Dr. Brown embarked on her academic journey at California State University, East Bay, earning a bachelor's in Sociology. She continued her pursuit of knowledge at Pacific Oaks, where she obtained a master’s in Human Development, specializing in Educational Leadership and Human Services. Driven by her passion for social work, she furthered her studies and earned a Doctorate in Social Work from the esteemed University of Southern California, solidifying her expertise in addressing the multifaceted challenges individuals and communities face.
Returning to her roots, Dr. Brown embarked on a fulfilling journey as an educator, imparting knowledge and inspiration to the next generation within the same district that nurtured her educational journey—teaching at Lovonya Dejean, Kennedy HS, and other schools throughout the district. Her commitment to education extends beyond the classroom as she serves as a national addiction counselor with FOCUS Reentry Project, Inc., providing invaluable support and treatment to individuals grappling with substance abuse issues. Beyond her roles in education and counseling, Dr. Brown is a fierce advocate for social justice and has worked alongside some fantastic organizations such as No Justice Under Capitalism, Essie Justice Group, USC Unchained Scholars, Sisters with Voices, Wrongful Convictions Club USC, and Justice for Pierre Rushing, among others, in an effort to dismantle systemic barriers and promote equality and fairness for all. She has also provided treatment and family reunification services for women with children, assisted in anti-human trafficking collaborations with San Pablo and Richmond Police Department through Community Violence Solutions as a specialist
Dr. Brown also passionately advocated for the mass release of low-level/nonviolent offenders to address overcrowding in state prisons during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, she actively supports returning citizens through reentry services and fundraises for pro bono wrongful conviction cases. She also facilitates workshops and self-development training that connect residents with various other resources to ensure their successful reintegration into our communities. In these efforts, her activism spans multiple platforms, where she elevates the voices of marginalized groups and advocates for impactful justice reform. As a devoted mother to four remarkable young individuals, her family inspires and drives her quest to create a better Richmond for future generations. Dr. Brown is deeply rooted in Richmond’s essence, mirroring its residents’ experiences and aspirations. She embodies familiarity and connection—a figure residents can instantly relate to. Like a rose that grew from concrete, Dr. Brown symbolizes resilience and triumph amid challenges as a tangible reminder that beauty and strength can emerge from even the harshest neighborhoods.