Rising Stars: Meet Braxton Banks

Today we’d like to introduce you to Braxton Banks.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was born and raised in Southwest Atlanta. I grew up off Boulder Park Drive. My uncle is Pastor Gregory Sutton of Jackson Memorial Baptist Church. I spent most of my time as a child playing sports and hanging with him. I have two brothers, and we were all heavily involved in sports.

I attended Frederick Douglass High School and went on to complete my education on a collegiate Football Scholarship at Morgan State University.

After graduating from college, I chose a career that allowed me to serve my community in law enforcement. It was important for me to serve in law enforcement to create a space where I could effectuate change in an area that where minorities felt targeted. I am a Georgia P.O.S.T. Certified Law Enforcement Instructor and enjoy teaching courses surrounding community policing and programming for youth initiatives.

I am a true ATL-ien and love all Atlanta Sports Teams. I love true Atlanta Music- Outkast, TI, Goodie Mob

Campaign Website BioBrax Bio

“Servant leadership is all about making the goals clear and then rolling up your sleeves and doing whatever it takes to help people win. In that situation, they don’t work for you; you work for them.” – Ken Blanchard

Braxton Banks is a dedicated servant leader with a strong commitment to “rolling up his sleeves” and doing the necessary work to effectuate change is his community. He has a proven track record of advocacy for people, evidenced by over a decade of experience in public safety and community engagement.

As a lifelong resident of the Metro Atlanta area, Braxton Banks relocated to Douglasville, GA in 2020 with his family. Braxton viewed Douglasville as a beautiful city with great people, rich history, and a sense of community.

To become more involved in his community, Braxton transitioned his professional career to serve as an Investigator with the Douglas County District Attorney’s office in the Juvenile Division. As a 12-year law enforcement veteran, Braxton is a Georgia Post Certified Law Enforcement Instructor. He routinely leads presentations centered around community policing and civic engagement. He is passionate about strengthening the relationship between communities and law enforcement. Braxton enjoys volunteering and advocating for established youth programs in Douglasville. Braxton presently serves on the board of the Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Power and Potential. This non-profit organization, founded by Jane Fonda, supports adolescents across the state with making healthy lifestyle choices to maximize their potential.

Braxton is a former small business owner of a community-based barbershop. In this role, Braxton provided job opportunities to non-violent prior criminal offenders as a second opportunity to rehabilitate and join society as law-abiding citizens. He mentored and coached employees on life skills. In addition, he facilitated Community Enrichment programs to engage at-risk youth and families in need through the provision of school supplies, free haircuts, and catered lunches. In 2018, Braxton was acknowledged for his significant contributions to the community with a Community Advocacy Award from The Break-Up LLC.

Braxton’s broad experience in public safety and community engagement programs will be his driving factor in moving Douglasville forward to new heights. Infused with commitment to leadership and operational competencies, Braxton is adept in supporting programs that serve the community. He is a dedicated advocate for economic growth and increased job opportunities. As a former Douglas County employee, Braxton will continue to foster working relationships with the City and County. He will continue to place an emphasis on enhancing initiatives that support youth, public safety, and economic development. Braxton is an ingenious leader, contributor, and team member, propelling safety management and resilience in any setting. Braxton’s professional and personal experiences reflect his lifelong commitment to achieving service-oriented goals through his unwavering commitment to social justice and community engagement.

It is Braxton’s privilege and honor to submit his name for candidacy to serve the constituents of Douglasville-Ward 4 as their City Council member. As your City Council advocate for Ward 4, Braxton is committed to doing the work and maintaining an active presence in his community. Serving the residents of Ward 4 requires servant leadership, understanding the needs of your community, and doing the necessary work to achieve community-inspired goals. As a member of the City Council for Ward 4, Braxton maintains the following commitments:

1. Commitment to supporting public safety Initiatives and maintaining strong relationships with law enforcement so our residents feel safe in their community
   2. Commitment to supporting and enhancing youth initiatives
   3. Commitment to supporting and enhancing relationships for Douglasville to foster economic growth and increased opportunities for the workforce

Braxton pledges to be visible in the community and foster transparency so residents are informed about the work being doing on their behalf. Simply put, Braxton pledges to be a servant leader for the people of Douglasville.

When Braxton is not serving his community, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Rian and toddler-aged son, Princeton. Braxton and his family can often be spotted on the weekends in local Douglasville parks playing with their dog, Barbie.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not at all. I’ve had to learn to overcome adversity from situations that many people never recover from.

In 2016, I was working as a Fulton County Law Enforcement Officer. I responded to an accident where my then-girlfriend had been killed in a car accident. I thought I would never recover from this traumatic experience and temporarily left law enforcement. My family, friends, and prayer pulled me out of my depression, and I returned to my true calling- serving people. This experience forever changed my life and how I view life.

In 2017, I purchased a community barbershop. Growing up, barbershops created a sense of community and therapy. It was a place where you could find laughter and comfort on a Saturday morning. I wanted to provide this to communities and people. 20 West Barbers Lounge often hosted community events, free haircuts, and activities to support our youth. Although I sold the barbershop, I remain active in my community.

My traumatic life experience taught me the importance of creating spaces where people can heal and lean on one another. These are the kinds of places that pulled me through my difficult time.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am most proud of my work with the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office- Juvenile Division. Under the leadership of District Attorney Dalia Racine, we created mentorship programs for teens and supported the Douglasville Police Youth Against Violence Program. These programs create safe spaces for our child and teens. I continue to volunteer and support these programs now.

As a member of the Douglasville City Council, I will continue to create these programs and initiatives for our youth. Our youth are our future, and it is our responsibility to invest in them.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
The most important thing is for people to get out and vote. Early Voting is October 16 – November 3, Election Day is November 7. If you live in Douglasville or know someone who does, please vote and share our information with them.

Additionally, you can donate to the campaign on our website. We are a grassroots campaign. Donations of any amount allow us to get signs, host community events, and get the word out about the election.

Lastly, we always need volunteers for community events and neighborhood canvassing.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://electbraxtonbanks.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elect_braxtonbanks/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Braxton-Banks/pfbid02QjvJBpkY9MZJDQRg5H9zqmT9YfESKPSjYMNnmnZJyj9VTafAu1dtBk8TJj3eR5nGl/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/braxtonbanks?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F