Draft:Darryl Brackeen Jr.

• Comment: Mostly unreferenced. DoubleGrazing (talk) 08:43, 25 January 2024 (UTC)

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Darryl Brackeen, Jr., a prominent figure in politics, education, ministry, and community service, has made significant contributions to these fields. He served as an elected official on the New Haven Board of Alders, representing the 26th ward from January 2014 to April 2023. Notably, Brackeen holds the distinction of being the first millennial and the youngest Black American elected from the West side of the City of New Haven.

In addition to his political role, Brackeen is a adjunct professor at several university's and an executive leader in various organizations. He is recognized for his role as a community organizer and minister.

Personal Life & Education

Darryl Brackeen Jr. was born and raised in the City of New Haven to his parents, the late Darryl Brackeen Sr. from Alma, Georgia, and Jill Darrison from Bronx, New York. He is the eldest among his two siblings. Brackeen's educational journey reflects the City of New Haven's educational system, as he attended Vincent E. Mauro Elementary School, Sheridan Middle School, and James Hillhouse High School, graduating in 2006.

He pursued higher education at Fairfield University, where he majored in Political Science and History. Brackeen is also an alumnus of Fordham University, where he earned a Masters in Religious Education (Practical Theology). Continuing his academic pursuits, he participated in the Access to Law School Yale Law School Fellowship program under the guidance of Professor James Foreman. Brackeen is currently working towards completing his Masters in Business Administration from Southern Connecticut State University, expected to graduate in May 2024.

Furthermore, Brackeen has obtained certificates from various programs, including the Yale University School of Divinity Youth Ministry Summer Institute, Wellstone Community Organizing Academy (Now re: Power), Innovation Schools Parent Leadership Academy, Young Elected Official Network 2016 Clean Energy and Environmental Justice Policy Academy, and the National Urban League Congressional Advocacy Program.

He is married to Professor Chaz Brackeen, LMSW and has three daughters.

Professional Career

Brackeen began his career in education as a Dean of Students and a long-term substitute Social Studies teacher. During this time, he played a pivotal role in initiating a significant partnership at Lincoln Bassett School. This collaboration involved engaging the religious community as tutors and mentors for students residing in economically disadvantaged communities, marking a notable milestone in the school's history.. In 2014, Darryl Brackeen took on a role as a community organizer with the Connecticut Coalition for Achievement. During this time, he focused on promoting minority teacher recruitment and enhancing parent leadership engagement through the creation of the Community Leadership Academy. This academy aimed to educate individuals in community organizing and legislative advocacy skills. Over the years, Brackeen advanced within this field and served with two other partner organizations. He served as the CT Managing Director of Outreach for Educators of Excellence before joining Leadership for Educational Equity in 2021 as the Director of Regional Impact.

In 2019, a year before the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, Brackeen assumed the position of District Executive Director for the New Haven YMCA Youth Center, Hamden/North Haven YMCA, and Camp Mt. Laurel. During his tenure, he played a significant role in overseeing local and statewide policy input for the childcare industry in compliance with Covid-19 guidelines. Additionally, he provided essential support services for first responders and frontline workers within his district. With more than a decade of experience in executive and administrative management, Brackeen has established himself as a dynamic leader with expertise in government relations, legislative affairs, policy development, community engagement, and organizational leadership.

Furthermore, Brackeen is the founder of the political action organization Generation Change CT. This organization played a pivotal role in advancing a progressive voting rights agenda within the state of Connecticut and contributed to Brackeen's interest in pursuing public office.

Political Career & Electoral Campaign Work

Darryl Brackeen served as the Alderman representing New Haven's 26th Ward, where he achieved the distinction of being the youngest and the first African-American Alderman in the region. Brackeen attributes his passion for social justice to his father, who held a leadership position within SEIU 1199 at Atrium Plaza Nursing home in New Haven during the 1990s. Brackeen often reflects on his upbringing, stating that he felt as if he was born either on a church pew or amidst union picket lines.

As he matured, Brackeen organized a voter registration drive at James Hillhouse High School, guided by the mentorship of John "Jack" Paulishen. This initiative allowed him to participate in the historic Close Up high school program, centered in Washington, D.C., providing him with an opportunity to gain insights into the functioning of the country's democracy. This pivotal experience ignited his interest in political campaigns.

Brackeen's initial foray into political involvement began with volunteering for New Haven Alderwoman Gina Calder's campaign. Subsequently, he extended his volunteer efforts to support Hillary Rodham Clinton's 2008 presidential campaign and later became involved with the Democratic Presidential nominee, President Barack Obama.

During his years at Fairfield University, Brackeen actively participated in the student government. He ran for residence hall president and, in his senior year, received recognition as FUSA's "Senator of the Year." This acknowledgment was a result of his leadership in advocating for a constitutional convention that aimed to modernize the organization.

Following his college graduation, Brackeen returned to New Haven and became involved in a state legislative campaign. In 2011, he made the decision to run for the position of local Alderman. However, this electoral endeavor resulted in his defeat to the incumbent Alderman Sergio Rodriguez, who had held the position for an extended period.. One year later, Brackeen made a second attempt at running for the local Alderman position. He succeeded in a competitive primary race and emerged victorious in the subsequent general election.. Brackeen subsequently served in the position for a duration of 9 years and 4 months before resigning to pursue a significant career opportunity with J.P. Morgan Chase bank.

Brackeen's involvement in politics extends beyond the local level, encompassing a role on the national stage. He served as a delegate to the National League of Cities, where he advocated for enhanced federal community block grant funding that had a positive effect on the New Haven County area. Furthermore, he played a significant role in the 2016 Presidential campaign of Secretary Hillary Clinton, serving as the City of New Haven coordinator. Brackeen was elected as delegate to the 2020 Democratic National Convention in Milwaukee representing Connecticut's 3rd Congressional District. He was a national surrogate and served on the CT state leadership team, founding the young adult chapter of League 42 for the Biden-Harris campaign.

Legislative Accomplishments

1. Community Development and Engagement
   • Contributed significantly to the development of the Westville Music Bowl, a notable project in the realm of culture and entertainment.
   • Organized annual neighborhood food drives since 2011, proceeds went to the Family Jewish Services pantry
   • Co-founded the Upper Westville Neighborhood Park Committee in 2011.
   • Advocated for the petition and submission of legislation related to the establishment of a police substation.
2. Policy Advocacy and Legislative Leadership
   • Advocated in Washington D.C. for the allocation of over $75 million in Community Block Grants, benefiting more than 300 non-profit organizations in New Haven.
   • Played a substantial role in advancing the "Dare to Imagine" Values-Based Food Procurement program, positioning New Haven as a leader in sustainable food policies.
   • Led community initiatives in support of Ukrainian war efforts, including organizing a significant rally and fundraising activities.
   • Championed the reduction of the voting age to 16.
   • Authored legislative resolution in compliance with the Clean Air Act guidelines, marking a significant milestone for New Haven.
   • Co-authored a letter addressed to President Obama, urging the enactment of a clean energy bill.
   • Authored resolutions and policies in support of the Domestic Workers' Bill of Rights and initiatives addressing youth unemployment and underemployment.
   • Advocated for the Student Loan Bill of Rights.
   • Submitted legislation for the creation of a Sanctuary City Ordinance.
   • Advocated for reducing military budgets in favor of human services.
   • Led initiatives for automatic voter registration and early voting in New Haven.
   • Headed the task force declaring racism as a public health crisis.
   • Revived New Haven’s Environmental Council and developed the New Haven Energy Taskforce.
   • Authored legislative resolution as the only major city in the state of ct to support Medicare-for-All.
   • Authored the ordinance for guaranteed basic income (ie, universal basic income) pilot, providing financial support to low-income households.
   • Co-authored the creation of the Civilian Review Board.
   • Led the establishment of the city's environmental priorities, including the Clean Energy Taskforce and the New Haven Climate Emergency Taskforce.