OKC Man Living On Steps Of State Capitol In Solo Social Justice Protest

An Oklahoma City man is waging a one-person social justice protest. Jahaven Brandison has been living on the steps of the state Capitol for about a week and a half now. And he says he’s going to stay there until he sees some change. News 9 asked him what that change looks like.

Brandison has called the steps home since a large protest at the state Capitol on August 29.

“The people that were up here with me I was like, we need to occupy the Capitol. They looked at me, ‘what do you think we’re doing?’ I was like, we’re up here. We’re not occupying it,” he said.  

So, when everyone cleared out Brandison stayed behind. Unlike a lot of protesters, he doesn’t believe police should be defunded. He said they should receive more funding to be better trained in de-escalation techniques, drug abuse and mental health issues.

“I feel like our officers are asked to do way too much of a job. They’re asked to do too much. So, I’d bring in help and I’d bring in better training.” Brandison said.

Brandison would also like to see more community policing. Mental health is a big part of Brandison’s agenda. 

He said the state needs to do more to care for those with mental health issues, so they don’t end up in the legal system. And, with the stress there under, he believes officers should have annual psych evaluations.

“We all struggle with mental health. I don’t care who you are. Where you come from. What you’ve done in your life. I don’t care about any of that. You have struggled with mental health. Period. Point blank,” Brandison said.

He said riots and looting don’t work; they detract from the more important message of social justice. He believes change will come from talking with and listening to people. And he said he’ll do it right on the steps of the people’s house. 

“As long as it takes.” He said, “As long as it takes.”