Profiles in Justice: Community Engagement Chief G. Lamar Stewart

G. Lamar Stewart, Chief of the Community Engagement Unit at the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office (DAO), was born and raised in Germantown and North Philadelphia. He was educated in the Philadelphia public school system, attending John S. Jenks School and W.B. Saul High School of Agricultural Sciences, before graduating from Cheyney University of Pennsylvania.

In 2002, Stewart enlisted into the U.S. Army, serving in Field Artillery and in the Chaplaincy while stationed in Fort Hood, Texas, and Fort Huachuca, Ariz., as well as serving two tours in support of Operation Iraq Freedom.

Stewart later joined the Philadelphia Police Department as an officer and launched the department’s first workforce development initiative, Turning A New Corner. The program transformed urban street corners into job interview sites, connecting people returning from incarceration to employment and vocational services. He also launched the department’s “Blades, Fades & Engage” initiative, bringing the community and police into a West Philadelphia barbershop monthly to discuss relevant issues including implicit bias, racism, police brutality and gun violence. Stewart is a past Vice-President of the National Black Police Association Greater Philadelphia Chapter.

Stewart joined the DAO in 2019. He also serves as Senior Pastor of the historic Taylor Memorial Baptist Church in the Nicetown-Tioga section of Philadelphia. He was ordained to the ministry at the Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church, under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Alyn E. Waller.

“As a faith and community leader working in law enforcement and the justice space, I have a responsibility and calling to advocate for underserved, vulnerable, and marginalized communities in Philadelphia,” Stewart says. “The fight for social justice and speaking truth to power can create opposition for those who are on the front lines of this fight — but we stand on the shoulders of Fannie Lou Hamer, Malcolm X, W.E.B Dubois, and so many other great leaders who fought the great fight as well.”

Some of the Community Engagement Unit’s signature initiatives include:

• The One Stop Job and Resource Hub (HUB), a monthly mobile — now virtual — job and resource fair for those seeking employment opportunities, social services, advocacy, and support
• Regular meetings and collaborations with faith leaders, community organizers, civic associations, and justice partners
• Educational and mentorship sessions with area middle and high schools to build relationships with youth through monthly listening sessions, field trips, and mentoring opportunities.

Many of the above initiatives have been adapted or postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the Community Engagement Unit continues to serve the people of Philadelphia every day. Stewart and the Community Engagement team can be reached at 215–686–7617 or by e-mailing glamar.stewart@phila.gov.