Bridal Pearson, PhD
Dr. Bridal Pearson views himself as a social entrepreneur who engages in actions to empower and transform those who are most marginalized in our society by educating, mentoring, advocating, and leading by example while existing as an active agent within his community. All of his activities, both professional and community-based, are connected by this philosophy. He is the program director and senior lecturer of the graduate program in Human Services Administration at the University of Baltimore. The program is a collaborative with Coppin State University. He teaches between both universities.
At the very heart of Human Services administration is social justice and advocacy. Dr Pearson is an advocate in several areas but police reform has become a prominent component. In 2019 he provided testimony in several forums. He testified in Annapolis to the Baltimore Senatorial Delegation in support of Senate Bill 843. The purpose of the bill was to strengthen the Civilian Review Board’s authority, independence, and resources. He provided testimony to the Baltimore City Council relative to ending the practice of having victims of police misconduct sign non-disclosure agreements/gag orders, to receive monetary compensation. Dr Pearson sat on a panel at a town hall meeting, Policing and Engaging Vulnerable Populations at the University of Baltimore’s School of Law. He also provided testimony to the Commission to Restore Trust in Policing in Annapolis. He discussed strategies to strengthen the Civilian Review Board, issues with the Gun Trace Task Force, and methods to restore trust in policing. Teaching, community work, and advocacy allows Dr Pearson to address both micro and macro level issues towards providing his perspectives on possible solutions.
