Rashad Hassan Hardaway

Dr. Rashad Hardaway was born in Boston, Massachusetts, to Mr. and Mrs. Danny and Catherine Hardaway. He is survived by his brother, Haris Hardaway and his many aunts, uncles, cousins and God family. He was reunited in heaven with his eldest brother Bashir Hardaway. Always an inquisitive child, Rashad was ahead of the game, constantly reaching for more in the world around him. His thirst for knowledge was insatiable, and he was destined for more than the ordinary.

A proud graduate of Boston Latin School, Class of 2004, Rashad made excellence his craft. He never accepted less for himself or the relationships he built with friends, classmates, or teachers. His brilliance extended beyond academics into the arts, music, dance and he was even named "Who's Who Among High School Students" in the nation in 2004. Throughout his high school career, his deep love for music theory and step dancing became his passions.

As a musician, Rashad played the clarinet and explored other instruments. As a dancer, he became a master of step and served as captain of the BLS Step Squad, leading them to multiple trophies and awards in the Greater Boston Step Association. He was also a key figure in the broader step-dancing community, where he spent years recruiting, coaching, and producing competitions.

Rashad further honed his leadership skills in the TAG (Talented and Gifted) program at Boston Latin School. There, he began his journey into teaching and discovered a deep connection to Afro-Latino cultures, which helped forge meaningful bonds with people around the world.

After high school, Rashad was accepted to Worcester Polytechnic Institute, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry. His passion for science led him to a career in medicine, and he was accepted into the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Remarkably, he graduated medical school at the age of 20 and went on to complete his residency through Harvard Medical School and Partners HealthCare in Boston.

As a physician, Rashad specialized in psychiatry with a focus on child psychiatry. He was devoted to serving Black and Latino communities, working tirelessly to address disparities in care. A published researcher, he contributed to several projects supporting Nobel Prize, recognized work in biochemistry.

But science was only one facet of Rashad's brilliance. He was also a gifted writer who turned to poetry and creative writing as a means of expression and healing. Through his words, he conveyed love, understanding, and insight into the world's complexities.

Rashad was a passionate advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and utilized his savvy socialite skills to expand entertainment and nightlife opportunities for his community. He used his voice to uplift those often unseen and unheard. As a leader, he also championed the rights of the poor, disabled, immigrants, and children, always confronting inequality in medicine and society with courage and conviction.

From coast to coast and across the world, Rashad brought joy, love, and the spirit of family to everyone he met. Whether in Seattle, Oakland, New York City, Boston, or beyond, he left a mark wherever he called home. To know him was to be changed by his care and compassion which will live on in our hearts.