Jamal Johnson, Public Ally on demolition day at a rehabbed home on Druid Hill Ave

Why did you choose to become a Public Ally?
I chose to become a Public Ally because my passion is to help people. I was once told by a very wise man that if you want something then you go and get it. Public Allies will and has helped me go and get what I want, which is to help the communities of my city, Baltimore.

Jamal working on the restoration of an abandoned home in Druid Hill Park

How has being an Ally made your work better?
Being an Ally has propelled me forward in my quest to bring change to the City of Baltimore but even so, I have helped bring change to Chico, California as well as Jersey City, New Jersey. I have been introduced to communities very different from the ones I'm used to, increasing my capacity to help even more.

Jamal Johnson, Public Ally on demolition day with Break A Difference rehab volunteers

Why does Baltimore need Public Allies?
Public Allies brings together many people and in a City as “small” as Baltimore that is extremely beneficial to the communities that those said people serve. Without Public Allies and organizations like it, all of the people who want to bring about change would face the troubles of the City alone.

(L) Brian Pham, President of Break A Difference, and (R) Jamal Johnson, Engagement Ally with Break A Difference

To learn more about becoming a Public Ally Click Here.

To learn more about Break a Difference, Click Here.