Brandon Harrison

Brandon Harrison is a son, grandson, brother, father, nephew, friend, community leader, bright light and beloved spirit. He was, and always will be, a rising star. Brandon was a passionate young man who had an immense love of learning, fought tirelessly for equity and racial justice, and believed that "self-love heals all wounds." He was a community organizer and policy advocate who promoted health, healing justice, unity, & restorative practices. He was deeply committed to ending the school-to-prison pipeline and will always be remembered in the statewide movement for youth justice. His brilliant mind and genuine ability to connect with people of all ages, experiences, and walks of life, will be remembered by everyone he ever touched. When he spoke he moved people, often to tears, with his unapologetic honesty, depth of knowledge and wisdom, fierce love, heartfelt connections to systemic injustice, and bold visions for the future he believed in. He was proud of his growth over the last several years from a youth participant, to a Fellow, to a Youth Movement Builder at Fathers & Families of San Joaquin in Stockton. He was also a student at San Joaquin Delta College. His goals for the future were to keep fighting for justice, graduate from college, work at The California Endowment or the Capitol, buy a house, and be an amazing father to his sons. He loved his family and he loved Stockton, his city and home. He was striving to create a healthier community for his sons, Adrian and Noah, to grow up in. He also expressed that in order for him to survive and thrive, he might need to leave Stockton for a while. Plans were in process for him to begin an internship soon with The California Endowment, another step toward fulfilling his goal of working there someday. He was a member of the The California Endowment President's Youth Council, National Youth Transition Funders Group - Youth Justice Work Group, and the Statewide #FreeOurDreams Youth Policy Team. He was also involved in the California Alliance for Youth & Community Justice, Alliance for Boys & Men of Color, Positive Youth Justice Initiative, Central Valley Movement Building, California Equity Leaders Network, Movement Warriors, Neighborhoods Owning Power Action & Leadership, Sons & Brothers, YO! Cali, and #SchoolsNotPrisons. Brandon loved spending time with his family, reading to his sons, watching Naruto, being outdoors, going fishing, listening to music, and eating his mom's homemade meals. Above all, Brandon loved deeply and was deeply loved in return, by his family, friends, and countless people whose lives he touched. His legacy will live on and his spirit will endure, always. We love you Brandon, be smooth.