The James Mott Story

JMCAP founder, James Sebastian Mott, was a kind, soft spoken and compassionate man with a commitment for community service and justice that rivaled the most visible African-American leaders of his time. “Jimmy,” as he was affectionately known, was driven by difficult challenges. The son of an ice delivery man, Mr. Mott grew up in Arkansas during segregation, graduated from Howard University and then its law school after serving in the Army during World War II. When he and his wife were denied entry to Lake Fairfax Park in the mid-sixties, he sued and won equal access to county facilities for all African Americans.

While fighting this battle, he and his wife, received numerous threats to their personal safety and to the home they built, but they persevered.  Mr. Mott worked tirelessly traveling the dirt roads of his community organizing citizens to combat the lack of sewer lines, paved streets and street lights.  Needless to say, the local governing body knew Mr. Mott well as he was a driving force in the community and never hesitated to address the issues.

Mr. Mott’s compassion was brightest when he fought for and provided services for children of all races.  The children that attended the local community center named after him and his wife Marguerite for their life long community service became his surrogate family.  Due to the lack of public swimming facilities within his immediate community, he built an in-ground swimming pool (diving board included) adjacent to his home so that children could have a focal point for summer water activities. 

In an effort to carry on Mr. Mott’s vision and legacy, the non-profit organization he started some 25 years ago was recently renamed The James Mott Community Assistance Program Inc., (JMCAP).  Today, JMCAP provides food (including for those who need special diets), rental and utility assistance to low income families, job counseling, professional clothing for job interviews, transportation for the elderly for medical appointments and grocery shopping, and hourly employment targeting needy teenagers.