Alonzo Harvey, a passionate advocate for racial justice and community empowerment, hails from the South East Side of San Diego, specifically the Lincoln Park neighborhood. Growing up in an environment plagued by systemic injustice, Alonzo’s family was wrongfully targeted by District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis under a discriminatory gang injunction, known as 182.5. This injunction aimed to unjustly incarcerate 33 Black men from South East San Diego for life, solely based on their documentation as gang members. This traumatic experience galvanized the Harvey family into becoming staunch activists, fiercely opposing these baseless charges.
Driven by his lived experiences and a relentless desire for change, Alonzo now serves as the West Coast Credible Messengers Policy Director. In this role, he leverages his background to combat racial profiling and the harmful social construction of labeling Black and Brown individuals as gang members. Alonzo’s mission is to dismantle these prejudiced practices and advocate for fair treatment within the criminal justice system.
Currently finishing his degree at the University of California, Berkeley, Alonzo is actively involved in several research labs. His work at Berkeley focuses on advancing the Racial Justice Act, a pivotal piece of legislation passed in California aimed at addressing racial disparities in the legal system. Through his academic and professional endeavors, Alonzo strives to empower his community and support those who have been unjustly criminalized and attacked by law enforcement.
Alonzo Harvey’s journey from a wrongfully targeted youth to a prominent policy director and advocate is a testament to his resilience and dedication to creating a more equitable society. His efforts continue to inspire and drive positive change in his community and beyond.
