Get To Know Michael

I’m a fiancée, a son, a brother to many, a great friend, a cousin, a dog dad, and a fighter for the people of Philadelphia who is committed to delivering for the neighborhoods that raised me.

I grew up on Wayne Avenue, spending my childhood at Happy Hollow Playground, Fernhill Park, and the neighborhoods I’m fighting to help protect today. My upbringing wasn’t always easy. I experienced housing instability and homelessness as a child, these experiences shaped my understanding of the importance of stable housing, community, and looking out for my neighbors.

Two people especially shaped the person I am today are my mother and my late father figure.

My mother, a social worker at Pickett before it became Mastery Charter, taught me resilience, compassion, and the importance of caring for others even in the face of adversity. I remember shadowing her at school, watching her commitment to young people. Years later, graduating from Pickett myself was a full-circle moment.

When I faced homelessness, my father figure Mr. Lott took me in. Without him, I wouldn’t be where I am today. A retired Philadelphia Water Department employee and military veteran, he taught me the meaning of sacrifice, service, and duty to others.

Those lessons carried me to the University of Virginia, through my professional career in affordable housing underwriting, and eventually back home to Philadelphia, where I worked in City Council on legislation, zoning, and neighborhood services.

I’ve continued serving through neighborhood cleanups, food pantries, community zoning work, resource events, mentoring, and free handyman services for seniors. Outside of the campaign, I’m a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and enjoy spending time outdoors with my fiancée and our dogs.

My mother taught me to care. Mr. Lott taught me to serve. Philadelphia gave me a home worth fighting for.