About US
About Us
Our History
NUSA Project was birth out of a conversation between its co-founders Martin Quarles and John Nelson Jr. Both John and Martin are from S.E. Washington D.C. Some 12 years ago circa we saw an opportunity to change our inner city communities and the outlook of our youth. The streets and gun violence has taken and continues to take many of our youth. We saw an opportunity via documentary depicting how we were raised and brought up to respect one another. We saw through our parents and neighbor the value of hard work, education and morals could get you further than violence
John Nelson observed that Eastern High School in N.E. Washington DC was unable to put together a football team due to the limited amount of students available to participate. Martin Quarles spoke of his receiving his MBA and when he walked across the stage, he took the entire neighborhood with him. NUSA Project endeavors to change the plight and narrative of our inner-city youth and communities at large through this positive platform and outreach.
What we do.
We inform you how of things were in the sixties and seventies as a community.
Founder's Message
On behalf of Neighborhood USA Project, Board, Partners and friends; we thank you for your support in this endeavor to bring positive change to our inner-city youth, families, and communities all over the world.
This project was introduced and developed with a conversation with my lifelong friend and co-founder John Nelson some 15 years ago. We saw an opportunity to bring lasting change to our communities through positive action built around neighborhood coalitions, partners in the business and private sectors, and other non-profit entities. We believe with one voice we can curb and eradicate gun violence that is killing our youth at epidemic proportions, reduce crime, and reduce truancy among other negative disparities.
Further, we also believe we can offer job training, scholarship, and a premium value on education and hard work. We also believe through film via a documentary platform we can make lasting and positive images. We believe showing the current generation how generations of old grew up in Washington DC area and surrounding communities in the 60’s and 70’s will bridge the gap and generational divide.
This Neighborhood USA Project endeavors to depict how with respect for one another, for you, hard work, and good old friendly neighborhood values we can help change one youth and family at a time. Yes, it’s going to take a village. It’s going to take you and me. On behalf of Neighborhood USA Project Board, Partners and friends we thank you so much for your generosity towards Neighborhood USA Project.
Meet the Founders
Neighborhood USA Project DC Chapter
Stacey Ferguson
Chairperson
Ms. Ferguson earned Dual Degrees in HealthCare Administration
John Nelson
Vice Chairperson
Title
Martin Quarles
Treasurer
Martin R. Quarles was born and raised in the S.E. Washington DC area.
He graduated from Morehouse College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communications in 1982. Martin completed his M.B.A. in Strategic Planning from the University of Phoenix in 2008.
He is currently the Founder and Sr. Pastor of Transformational Ministries International in Stone Mountain, GA. He believes true change and transformation comes from the “renewing of your mind by the Word of God”. He believes God wants the Total Man (Spirit, Soul and Body) to be Blessed and prosperous! He currently resides in Atlanta, GA area and is married to the love of his life Eleanor D. Quarles. They are the proud parents and of three sons and ten grandchildren respectively.
Meet the Board
Jean Gunn
Secretary
I was born in Massachusetts and moved with my Family to South East DC at a young age. I graduated from McKinley Technical High school and attended University of the District of Columbia. I dedicated my career as an Educational Assistant to the District of Columbia Public schools in 1990 and continue to do so I have worked with students ranging from Pre-K to 8th grade.
I continue to work with various committeesand I enjoy riding horses, swimming, white water rafting, and hiking and gardening I also love creating events for my neighborhood.
Michael Prioleau
Sargent of Arms
Michael Prioleau was born and raised in Northeast Washington, DC. He earned a Bachelors Degree in Accounting and a Masters Degree in Technology Education from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Michael has over 20 years of experience in youth development, education and training.
Bryant McIver
Board Member
Bryant McIver was born and raised in Washington, DC and remains connected to his old S.E. community.
He has over 40 years of Management experience and has served in various levels during his tenure.
He presently serves as CEO at B. McIver Consulting, LLC, and is a Director at Studio 531, a company that provides educational support for students in Grades K-12. He attended Bowie State University as a Psychology Major, with a Minor in Business.
He has been married for 41 years to his college sweetheart Elaine and they have two sons, Bryant V. McIver, Jr. MD and Robert C. McIver, MS.
Bryant is an avid golfer and enjoys spending time with his four grandchildren-Blythe, Brodie, Jordyn and Banks McIver.
