Asar-Akili Bandele

Asar-Akili Bandele, born and raised in San Jose, California, is a husband, father of three, and a dedicated community advocate. His life journey has been shaped by resilience, self-reflection, and a profound love for his community and its history. After serving 17.5 years in Washington and California prisons, Akili returned to society with a renewed sense of purpose, inspired by the seeds of self-love, love for his people, and respect for their history that his father had instilled in him early on. Throughout his time incarcerated, these guiding principles fueled Akili’s growth and helped him to envision a path beyond his own circumstances—one focused on empowering others and strengthening his community. Today, Akili is devoted to transformative work, rooted in the belief that true greatness is a collective endeavor. In his free time, Akili enjoys hiking and creating fresh juices, activities that connect him to nature and nurture his well-being. Committed to breaking cycles of incarceration and revitalizing the legacy of self-determination, Akili seeks to make a lasting impact, believing that each step forward brings his people closer to reclaiming their shared greatness.