PERSON: Westley West

Reverend Westley West, is the founding pastor of Faith Empowered Ministries, Inc. (FEMINC) in Baltimore, Maryland. Through his ministry at FEMINC, he has developed several community outreach programs to assist with the blight and poverty within the community in district 7 where his church is located. After fulfilling the dream to build a church, Pastor West decided to build the church in the heart of Baltimore City. The initial breakthrough for the community came when FEMINC took over the building located on the corner of Walbrook Avenue and Monroe Street. Under the leadership of Pastor West, FEMINC renovated the interior and exterior of the building – thus taking one of the vacant properties in District 7 and creating a much more pleasing environment on that block. Pastor West, through the outreach ministry, has assisted community residents by providing housing and food assistance, as well as, donating school supplies to children in the community.

He continued his community activism in 2015 during the wake of Freddie Gray’s death. During the riots surrounding Mr. Gray’s death, Pastor West led a stream of peaceful rallies bringing awareness to Baltimore City residents and public servants throughout Baltimore and the nation. Weeks later, Pastor West would continue his role as activist when on April 30, 2015 upon the request of Reverend Al Sharpton, he became the Director of Youth for the Nation Action Network (Baltimore branch).

Pastor West believes in economic development and empowerment. Currently, Pastor West is the owner of a small business, West and Sons Steady Trucking, LLC. Pastor West is also an enthusiastic advocate for African American males. Pastor West believes his number one role in the community is to be a public servant to all; he shows this through his advocacy for ex-offenders by supporting re-entry to the community through: partnering with parole/probation officers, voter advocacy, as well as job training and development designed to reduce recidivism. In 2013, Pastor West established the Baltimore Base Line Shooters, an inner-city boys basketball team with a plan to promote positive behavior, increase self esteem, and provide mentoring opportunities. Pastor West has impacted the lives of many locally and nationally with his own internet radio show and a nationally recognized prayer line with live hosting and nationally known ministers.


Pastor West strives to encourage, empower, and elevate each individual he encounters and believes these are the cornerstones of strong communities. Pastor West continues to pursue better opportunities to share that will positively affect the lives of Baltimore city residents who live in District 7. Pastor West brings fresh energy, excitement, and enthusiasm wherever he goes and will indeed do the same as representative of District 7. Pastor West earnestly believes in faith, community, and activism; he will implore each of these as he challenges the status quo through “Fighting Downtown to Build a Better Uptown.” Pastor West loves spending time with his son, parents, other family members and friends, community and church members and associates.