When asked who his greatest influencers were growing up, Reverend Jahmel K. Robinson fondly reflects on his childhood with his mother and grandmother. Having grown up in a single parent household, he watched his mother tirelessly work hard for her family while still managing to pour love and support into those around her. Similarly, his grandmother provided unmatched guidance and wisdom that Reverend Robinson still carries with him today. Now, as the Pastor-Elect of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church, a Policy Analyst for New York State, and a member of Albany Common Council, he brings the same support and passion he was raised with to the individuals and community surrounding him.
Despite being raised in a single parent home, Reverend Robinson decided to rise above adversity and pursued higher education. Growing up, he had always been involved in assisting and transforming his community through consistent acts of service. Through his childhood church, Metropolitan New Testament Mission Baptist Church, he worked with the Home Mission Food Pantry, visited nursing homes, and even assisted senior citizens within the community by completing their chores. With a drive to create positive changes around him, it only made sense that Reverend Robinson earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development from SUNY Empire State College and a Master of Arts degree in Leadership with an emphasis in Christian Ministry from Luther Rice University and Seminary.
Reverend Robinson has been involved in the Empire State Baptist Missionary Convention Inc. He served on the Commission for Young Adults and has facilitated many workshops and Christian education sessions. He also served as the Youth Director for the Central Hudson Baptist Association. Reverend Robinson is the past Director of Ministry Operations at the Metropolitan New Testament Mission Baptist Church. In this role, he was responsible for the oversight of ministry objectives and the leadership development. Believing that his life’s purpose and calling go beyond the church Reverend Robinson currently works with the NYS Office of Health Insurance Programs as a Medicaid Redesign Policy Analyst. Here, he continues his mission to help others by managing programs that address the Social Determinants of Health of New York State’s Medicaid members.
In addition, Reverend Robinson serves as the Vice-President on the Board of Trustees for Green Tech Charter High School, which is a school dedicated to preparing young men to complete high school with a regent’s diploma. Students who graduate, have the opportunity to attend college or choose an alternative, responsible career path. As a City of Albany Councilman, Reverend Robinson represents the residents of the 5th Ward, and is proud to speak for the people of the Arbor Hill, West HIll, and West End Neighborhoods. As a strong advocate for reducing poverty, eliminating blight, and investing in challenged neighborhoods within the City of Albany, Reverend Robinson has been very proactive about supporting and writing legislation that address these concerns.
Reverend Robinson is consistently at the fore-front various social, economic, and restorative justice issues. He currently serves on the Finance, Taxation and Assessment, Housing and Community Development Committees. In 2019, he was appointed Chair of the Human Resources and Human Rights Committee and is a charter member and chair of the Albany Common Council’s Black and Hispanic Legislative Caucus. Reverend Robinson is also honored to be the Albany County Democratic Committee’s 5th Ward Leader. Reverend Robinson is a strong advocate for building spaces for community. In 2020, he coordinated with City of Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan to announce plans for establishing a new community and senior services center in the West Hill Neighborhood!
Reverend Robinson is married to Mrs. Lynnette D. Robinson and they have 2 children, twins, Zari Mi’Joi Robinson, and Zakari Kabar Robinson.