Pearl B Settles Way Honors Legacy of former DCHA Board Member

The legacy of Ms. Pearl B. Settles, an active community leader and member of the DCHA community, has been memorialized with the dedication of the 200th block of 37th Place SE as Pearl B. Settles Way.

Born on January 12, 1920, Ms. Settles was a resident of DCHA’s Stoddert Terrace public housing community. She was elected as a DCHA resident council leader, and served on the DCHA Board of Commissioners and as an Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner before her passing in 1986.

“Ms. Settles was a true trailblazer,” said DCHA Executive Director Keith Pettigrew, who spoke with the May 9, 2025 dedication ceremony of Pearl B. Settles Way. Along with Pettigrew, Ward 7 Councilmember Wendell Felder also took part in the event.

Ms. Settles advocated for affordable day care, pioneered clean-up campaigns, and assisted with finding employment opportunities. She recognized that support with childcare and a well-maintained environment can help make a living space into a home.

She also valued building relationships between residents. She coordinated block parties and set up community workshops that helped strengthen the community. The mother of eleven children, she also acted a maternal figure for many more youth in her community.

“I’m so pleased that the 200 block of 37th Place, where she lived, is now designated in her honor. It will be an important reminder of her legacy of service, compassion, and leadership. We should all strive to emulate her dedication to community,” Pettigrew said.