The roadway where the community leader left the core of her legacy will now be named Rev. Pearline James.
James, who died at the age of 77 precisely two years prior to Thursday, was honored with a block party and a dedication of a street sign by the Mattapan community. A blue street sign that read Rev. Pearline B. James Way was unveiled by the group shortly after Mayor Michelle Wu proclaimed June 26, 2025, to be a day in her honor.
Cherina Wright, Pearline James’ granddaughter, stated, “We are gathered not just to unveil a sign, but to celebrate a life that was boldly lived with grace, generosity, faith, and purpose.” My grandmother was a devout follower of God, a strong advocate for community development, and an unwavering supporter of love in all its manifestations. She transformed Malta Street into more than just a place to live by running PJ’s Childcare and Transportation, her cherished couples ministry, and her unwavering commitment to family and religion. She transformed it into a real community and home for everyone.
Wu, religious leaders, the dean of the Urban College of Boston, Ruthzee Louijeune, the president of the City Council, Councilor Enrique Pepen, and others discussed James’ legacy in the city.
Rep. Ayanna Pressley’s husband, Conan Harris, recalled meeting James as his street neighbor and remarked, “Mother James just gave me that motherly love.” I was respected by her. She loved me right away. She made sure I was included in this street community and gave me the maternal embrace.
Before moving to Boston in 1971, James was born in Jamaica. She and her husband were the first Black family to buy a house on Malta Street in Mattapan. She was formally ordained as a reverend, dedicated to counseling couples, and spent more than 40 years as an associate pastor at the Full Life Gospel Center.
For many years, the reverend and her spouse operated PJ’s Childcare and Transportation out of their Malta Street residence. James chose to return to school at Urban College of Boston in her 60s, where she graduated and reached the Dean’s List.
Through the efforts of her daughter Denella Clark, an advocate who is today the president and CEO of the Boston Arts Academy Foundation, several people brought attention to the influence she has had.
Clark remarked on Thursday, “I am so humbled.” I’m deeply touched. I am appreciative to my mother and father. Many people my age tell me that their parents abandoned them, and I frequently mention that I return home to Jamaica. I therefore don’t take my position in front of you for granted.
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Through late Thursday afternoon, the community spent hours on the newly named Rev. Pearline B. James Way singing, praying, eating, listening to music, and sharing their memories of James.
Mayor Michelle Wu remarked, “This is just a small, small gesture to reflect and commemorate the impact that great people have, block by block.” There are wonderful individuals in Boston who do good things every day, and their legacy endures in the tales we all have and the lives they have affected.
