James Bell (1954 – 2025) was a mentor and friend to many. A strong advocate for youth and justice equity for all, James started his career as an attorney at San Francisco’s Youth Law Center where he represented youth in institutions and litigated conditions of confinement. After serving as a youth advocate for 20 years he founded the Haywood Burns Institute in 2001. The Burns Institute became a national leader in promoting justice equity, working with stakeholders in over 300 counties across the United States.
James also consulted on youth justice for the African National Congress (South Africa) and the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, and as an advisor to Holland and England on their justice systems’ overrepresentation of racial, ethnic, and religious minorities.
His honors include a Kellogg National Leadership Fellowship, the Livingstone Hall Award for Outstanding Juvenile Advocacy (American Bar Association), the Clinton White Attorney of the Year Award (Charles Houston Bar Association, Advocate of the Year (Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention), and the Moral Leadership Against Injustice Award (Delancey Street Foundation).
James was more than these accolades. He had a strong commitment to his family and friends. He offered support and guidance, had a huge heart and a wonderful laugh. His strength, wisdom, and his drive to fight racism within our systems is difficult to match. His work and what he gave to us will be remembered for years to come.
He inspired and mentored many of us to be strong activists for youth of color and to continue to work to improve our (in)justice system to becoming a just and equitable system. He will be greatly missed.
