Jerome Baker

Jerome Baker was raised in the Central community of Cleveland, Ohio. He is a graduate of East Technical High school. He was employed for Amtrak, national passenger railroad in New York City for over fifteen years. When he returned home to Cleveland early in the year 2000, he began his community work of mentoring youth in Central. In 2006, he formed a community grassroots organization, Men of Central. 

Jerome's commitment and passion to his community was instilled in him through the values and love he received from his parents and family members. His support system consisted of mentors from recreation centers, schools, camps, coaches, teachers, and members from his community. 

Jerome is currently a senior manager at YWCA of Greater Cleveland, working to eliminate racism and homelessness. He received his bachelor’s degree in public administration, is a graduate of Neighborhood Leadership Institute, Neighborhood Leadership Development Program, a Promise Ambassador Sister of Charity, and is President of Friends of PAL, and founder and President of Men & Women of Central organization.

He has self-published a number of books on the history of the Central community in Cleveland. He has been married for over twenty years to Theodora Baker; they have four adult children Sean Miller, Jamahl Baker, Bria Baker, and Jerome Baker Jr. 

His hobbies are reading, exercising, traveling, attending football basketball games, movies, and spending time with his grandchildren.