It is with great sadness that we mark the passing of a dear friend and trailblazing leader, James Bell, founding president of the W. Haywood Burns Institute.
James dedicated his life to challenging racial and ethnic disparities within the juvenile justice system in the United States and around the world. In 2001, he established the Burns Institute, which has collaborated with over 200 counties across 23 states to promote equity in justice administration. We are honored to have partnered with the Burns Institute through our All in For Oakland fund, providing technical assistance and organizational capacity-building support to end the incarceration of young people of color. Their work has been instrumental in reducing the number of young people in the system and helping develop positive life outcomes and structural well-being for families and communities in Oakland.
“James was a dear friend to all of us at Akonadi. He believed in the inherent value of every human being and was a true champion for racial justice. At a time when we need the courage, wisdom, and compassion to advance racial justice, his voice and presence will be sorely missed. He inspired countless leaders to continue the fight for freedom and justice; and through them, his legacy will live on,” says Ray Colmenar, Akonadi Foundation’s president.
James reshaped the national dialogue on youth incarceration and racial equity, bringing a sharp, compassionate, and unwavering lens to systems that too often failed young people of color. We are deeply grateful for his life’s work and the opportunity to work together towards a shared vision for justice and equity in Oakland and beyond. Please take a moment to learn more about the Burns Institute and support their efforts in his memory.
In solidarity,
Akonadi Foundation
