Advance to content

John Branam: Strong Values, Bold Leadership

[photo: John in front of City Hall]

Interview

Conducted on December 29, 2007 by Shakiyla Harris

“Never Put off until tomorrow what you can do today,” is the favorite quote of City Council candidate John Branam. The famous quote by Thomas Jefferson can definitely be spoken as a piece of advice by Branam as he already has accomplished so much in his life. After a solid career in education and public service that spans from Portland to Washington DC, and even touches down in several African nations, John is running for City Council. Recently, we sat down to talk about John’s background and interests. It was a chance for John to further explain his strong values and bold leadership, and a chance for Portlanders to get to know him better.

Where were you born?
I was born in San Francisco. My mother passed away as a result of childbirth so I spent the first three years of my life growing up with an aunt and her children. At age three, my father and his wife, who had two children at the time, received custody of me. When I was 9 years of age we moved to Corvallis, Oregon. So when people ask me were I am from I say Corvallis, that's what I consider home.
Tell me a little bit more about your childhood in Corvallis?
My family was not your typical family. I grew up with two of my siblings; another three from a previous marriage lived on the east coast. We were Mormon. I am half black and white; my other two siblings are fully white. So we where the odd ball family. (Laughs). I was the only black kid in my school. But we were always cared for by the community, always. My family was extremely political. My father actually served on the City Council for two terms.
How was it growing up in a home with your father being in the City Council?
It was great. Like I said we were always cared for by the community. I was known as Stewart’s son. We always had events, like the NAACP dinners. My father was a giver. He always wanted to help others, even if he had little help to give. He always wanted us to experience more, so we traveled a lot.
What were things of importance in your home?
Education was always important. My parents took us backpacking through Europe for 16 months. I would have to do things like write essay papers on the Sistine Chapel or the Egyptian pyramids after visiting them. Another thing was being self-sufficient. My father was janitor for years. So we all did the paper routes, mowed lawns and other things to pay for our own things. It was a degree of self-responsibility.
Education and the educational system is clearly important to you, tell me about your schooling.
I went to Corvallis High, and from there I went to Washington Lee University, in Virginia. It’s considered one of most conservative liberal arts school. From watching my father serve on the City Council, I knew I wanted to study Political Science. I chose Washington Lee because of how good the program is, and the small class size. And, it was close to D.C. It was definitely a different culture to experience from the Northwest. Hands down winner for me. I also attended the School of Law at the University of Oregon.
Was there any teacher or professor who became a motivator or mentor to you?
My teachers were incredibly supportive of me as one of the few children of color in Corvallis. They challenged me. They looked after me. They would offer me academic and sports opportunities to travel and learn. They are part of the reason why I went into the educational system. One teacher that sticks out is my seventh grade advanced English teacher who made me to read the autobiography of Malcolm X. For me that book spoke about a level of pride in being black American. I learned self-drive, and the book has inspired a significant portion of my life decisions.
You lived in South Africa and worked with the Peace Corps. What was the most impressive about your time there?
Three things amazed me. What was most impressive is that how a country so young can embrace democracy. It's inspiring. The people there lined up for days to vote. Some things we take for granted. Also, historically and even today, the tremendous racial tension. But just look at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to find stories of racial healing. Third, I met Nelson Mandela; twice! Which is worth living life for. (Smiles).
Why did you join the Peace Corp?
In high school I had a global studies teacher who impressed me. He was a former Peace Corp volunteer. I spent hours listening to his experiences. One thing that I learned from him was that the love for learning is as important as what you learn. Another thing that lead me to joining was my father being in the Navy and explaining how big the world was and how important it is to see it.
You worked in D.C. which is one of the roughest school systems in the United States. How were you able to connect with the kids there?
Because I am passionate about giving young kids the drive to do what I have done, we were able connect easily.
Is there one event, moment or even student that you are most proud of, during your time there?
A moment that I am proud about is loosely connected to my run for City Council. One of the programs that I initiated dealt with kids that were 95 percent free lunch students. These are kids that were always amazing but were not able to perform well because of the poor urban educational system. We took the students in a luxury bus down to Washington Lee University where they spent three days in the dorms. They took classes by professors, and got to use all of the university's facilities. These kids got the opportunity to see that the world is a big place, and that they can go anywhere. That's the thing about this city council run. Too often people can think, “oh, it's frustrating.” Some times we seem to forget that you can transform and change a city. Especially for kids who come from a background similar to mine.
Besides knocking door-to-door to canvas for your campaign, what are some of your hobbies?
Yes, besides knocking door-to-door! I like to mountain bike. I like to read and do home improvement projects.
How would you describe your personality?
The words I would use are gregarious, congenial, ambitious, kind, focused, and thoughtful.
What word would you choose to identify yourself?
It would definitely be thoughtful.
You like Country and Western, R&B, and rock music. Can you explain this diversity in music taste?
I do like everything! I think my diverse taste in music is complimentary to my everyday life—like my diverse daily activities and friends. If were to come to my home for a house party, you would find doctors, lawyers, preachers, and people without jobs; there would be a mixture of people from different walks of life. I am not interested in one way of thinking. That should be really important to Portland in who they decide to elect the next City Commissioner. I think our issues are solvable, but only through creative, innovative and collaborative decisions.
Who is your hero?
My father. With very little, he did what he could to help every single person he ever met. He would be the one to stop for a person who had a flat tire and change their tire in his church clothes. Even though he didn't have a college degree like most, he ran for city council. He always did more than you would ever expect him to do. I think I got his helping gene. (Laughs)
There is a Chinese proverb that says you should live in interesting times. What makes Portland interesting to you right now?
I think of Portland as being a big, small town. The size is really perfect. There are a whole lot of people who work daily to make a change in this city. We have an impressive array of arts and culture opportunities. We have diverse neighborhoods and people are passionate about our city. We get a lot of value out of our relatively small city. The beautiful skyline and a fabulous transportation. It is really reminiscent of a lot of European cities.
Besides the ideas in your platform, what should voters think about when voting for you?
That Portland selects the leader that most represents their vision and their values. I hope that it is a person who demonstrates a collaborative leadership style that embodies compassion.
What do you want people to remember about you in life and during this campaign?
In my life, that I have used my talents, abilities and knowledge that I have acquired to help others. Also that I feel blessed about my clarity, and most days think about extraordinary opportunities I've had. In the campaign, I want people to remember me as someone who was thoughtful—thoughtful in a number of ways; that I was courteous and kind, and that I listened.

Website by Mark Wyner Design.