MELBA Pearson

The Justice Guru

We really enjoyed interviewing Melba Pearson who is the Policy Director of FIU’s Center for the Administration of Justice. She oversees the MacArthur Foundation-funded Prosecutorial Performance Indicator’ project which aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of data and research so that citizens can understand the performance and fairness of justice in our city. She previously worked as Deputy Director for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) after spending 16 years an Assistant State Attorney for Miami-Dade County. 

We were expecting a serious interview due to the nature of her work but winded up having such a fun time interviewing her. The reason is that Melba is one of the most energetic people we have met and is not afraid to talk about difficult issues. She created her own YouTube channel called Mondays with Melba where she invites Miami residents to discuss current events, legislation and bills that affect South Florida. She is passionate and gives her time to help others bring to light issues that may not get the attention they need.  

Outside of her job as Policy Director for the Center for the Administration of Justice, Melba Pearson is also the President of the National Black Prosecutors Association Foundation (NBPA) and they are dedicated to the advancement of Blacks as prosecutors. This organization provides scholarships to fund fellowships for African American law school interns at prosecutor’s office so that they have a paid 8-10 week internship. If you would like to donate go to www.blackprosecutors.org

Watch her interview to hear what it was like to live in South Beach in the late 90s and the different career paths she followed before finding her calling. She gave us some amazing restaurant recommendations we bet you have never been to.