Meet Brandon Robert Watts

We recently connected with Brandon Robert Watts and have shared our conversation below.

Brandon Robert, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

Finding my purpose has been a deeply personal and transformative journey. Growing up in San Bernardino, I attended some of the worst-performing schools in California. I struggled in school—not because I wasn’t capable, but because I often felt misunderstood. I was labeled an at-risk youth by my teachers and found myself suspended time and time again for fighting with classmates. On top of that, being raised by a single mother and having a father who was incarcerated, the odds were stacked against me. Those experiences showed me firsthand how a lack of quality education and support can easily push young Black boys like me into a life of crime.

But I refused to accept that destiny for myself. I made it my mission to prove my teachers wrong—that the son of a convicted felon, a boy who was always getting suspended, could turn his life around and become someone successful. I wanted to show that no matter where you start, it’s about where you’re determined to go. Watching my father overcome addiction and seeing my mother’s strength inspired me to push through the stereotypes and obstacles placed in front of me. I carried those experiences with me as a reminder of what’s possible when you refuse to let your circumstances define you.

It was those struggles that gave me my purpose. I realized that I didn’t just want to overcome my circumstances—I wanted to fight for others who come from similar backgrounds. I wanted to challenge the systems that fail so many Black and brown youth. From mentoring at-risk youth to founding The People’s Justice Collective, my purpose has become clear: to advocate, empower, and uplift marginalized voices while showing young people that they are not defined by their circumstances. If I could turn my life around, they can too.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I am a student attorney, criminal justice reform advocate, and the founder of The People’s Justice Collective, a community-focused organization dedicated to parole advocacy, youth mentoring, and “know your rights” training. My work centers on uplifting marginalized voices, challenging systemic injustices, and advocating for a more equitable criminal justice system, particularly for Black youth and other communities that are often overlooked or silenced.

What excites me most about this work is the opportunity to empower people—to give them the tools and knowledge to fight back against systems that are stacked against them. Whether it’s helping someone understand their legal rights, mentoring young people who feel like the world has already given up on them, or advocating for second chances for individuals who have served their time, I see the transformative power of hope and opportunity every day. My experiences growing up as an at-risk youth, attending underperforming schools, and being told I wouldn’t amount to anything are what drive me to ensure others don’t fall through the cracks.

Right now, The People’s Justice Collective is expanding its work in parole advocacy and youth outreach. We’re launching community-centered workshops across Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, where we’ll focus on educating people about their legal rights, the importance of second chances, and how systemic change starts within our communities. Additionally, we’re collaborating with local organizations to host events addressing gun violence prevention, juvenile justice reform, and the power of youth advocacy.

For anyone who wants to connect with us, support our mission, or collaborate on events and initiatives, I encourage them to visit our website at peoplesjusticecollective.org. I’m committed to building a legacy where no young person feels forgotten, and where everyone has the opportunity to turn their lives around, just as I did. The work we’re doing is just the beginning, and I’m excited about the impact we’re going to have in communities that need it most.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, the three qualities that were most impactful in my journey are resilience, empathy, and the ability to communicate effectively. These qualities not only helped me navigate my own challenges but also allowed me to uplift others and create meaningful change.

Resilience has been the foundation of everything I’ve accomplished. Growing up, I faced suspensions, struggled in underperforming schools, and was labeled as an at-risk youth. It would have been easy to accept what the world told me I was, but I refused. I learned how to get back up after every setback and push forward, no matter how many times I fell. My advice to those early in their journey is to view failure as part of the process, not the end of the road. Develop a mindset where every challenge is an opportunity to grow stronger and prove yourself.

Empathy came from my experiences—seeing my father struggle with addiction and incarceration, being raised by a single mother, and watching friends fall victim to the system. These moments taught me to see the humanity in people, no matter their circumstances. Empathy allows you to connect with others, understand their struggles, and serve them better. For those starting their journey, I’d encourage volunteering or immersing yourself in communities different from your own. Listen to people’s stories, and you’ll learn lessons that no textbook can teach.

Effective communication is what allowed me to turn my story into action. Whether it’s advocating in the courtroom, mentoring young people, or leading community campaigns, the ability to clearly articulate ideas, inspire others, and drive change has been essential. For those looking to improve in this area, I’d recommend practicing public speaking, honing your writing skills, and, most importantly, learning how to listen. Communication isn’t just about talking—it’s about understanding your audience and meeting them where they are.

To anyone early in their journey, my advice is simple: embrace your struggles, because they will shape your strength. Build connections with people and communities, because relationships will open doors. And never underestimate the power of your voice—you have a story that can change lives, including your own.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was show me the power of resilience and the importance of believing in myself, even when the world didn’t. My mother, raising me on her own, made countless sacrifices to keep me on the right path. Despite our challenges—financial struggles, the pressures of being in one of the most dangerous cities in California, and my trouble in school—she never gave up on me. She taught me the value of hard work, perseverance, and faith. Watching her strength gave me the determination to overcome every obstacle in my life.

From my father, I learned the lesson of redemption and the importance of never letting your past define your future. His struggle with addiction and incarceration could have left me feeling defeated, but instead, seeing him turn his life around inspired me to believe that people are more than their worst moments. His resilience and his journey to sobriety taught me that it’s never too late to change, and that everyone deserves a second chance.

Together, their experiences shaped the man I am today. My mother showed me what it means to keep pushing forward no matter how heavy the load, and my father taught me the value of forgiveness and growth. These lessons became the foundation for my purpose: advocating for second chances, fighting for marginalized communities, and empowering others to believe that they, too, can rewrite their stories.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://peoplesjusticecollective.org
• Instagram: brandonrobertwatts
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonrobertwatts/