David Girard Inocencio Junior

1963 - 2023

David Girard Inocencio, Junior
September 16, 1963 - July 8, 2023
David Girard Inocencio, Jr. was born September 16,1963 in San Francisco. David grew up in Daly City, graduating as a football star from Westmore High School and a Hall of Fame Alum from San Francisco State University where he studied Social Work. His interest in social work and passion for youth led him to intern with the Juvenile Public Defender's office which he launched a lifelong career in Juvenile Justice. David's early work as a counselor at the Juvenile Probation Department in San Francisco and as the assistant director of the nationally acclaimed Detention Diversion Advocacy Program (DDAP). He went on to work in the field of media studies, leading to the creation and launch of his life's work and passion, The Beat Within. Where he encouraged incarcerated youth to use writing to tell their stories and give a voice to the voiceless. The Beat Within grew to become a national program and magazine with workshops beyond the Bay Area to promote an ongoing conversation for vulnerable youth in the system.
David's advocacy and dedication to The Beat Within gave a face to the faceless, a story to the storiless, and ultimately shed light on the plight of youth in detention. In 2022, David was honored at the 17th Annual Harry Frank Guggenheim Symposium on Crime in America with the Justice Trailblazer Award, from the John Jay College of Criminal Justice. The symposium honors a media or media-related organization for its cutting-edge work in promoting understanding about the challenges of criminal justice. Over the years, David received many other awards and honors including the Pass Award, National Council on Crime and Delinquency, 2004; Jefferson Award, Nobel Prize for Public Service, 2005; and Bill Graham Award, 2008. In 2011, David received the Silver Heart Award from the Society of Professional Journalism to honor those whose careers reflect an extraordinary dedication to "Giving Voice to the Voiceless." In 2016, David was one of thirty people honored in the United States by Equal Voice News with the 2016 Cesar Chavez Day Hero Award.
David's life was cut short when he lost his battle with cancer on July 8, 2023, but as David always said, "The Beat Goes On." David is survived by his adoring wife, Lisa Lavaysse. Lisa was his partner in life and at The Beat Within, working by his side to lead workshops in juvenile halls and produce the bi-monthly magazine. Lisa will honor and continue David's legacy as she leads The Beat Within into the next chapter of continuing workshops. David is also survived by his daughter Liberty Inocencio, his loving parents David Sr. and Carol Inocencio, and his brother Paul Inocencio along with his wife Julie and their children Maceo, Mia, and Alani.
Private family services will be held at a future date. The Beat Within will host a memorial tribute to salute David Inocencio in the coming months. This unique juvenile justice pioneer, trail blazer, empathetic listener, amazing partner, patient husband, loving and kind individual will be celebrated. Please visit The Beat Within website (thebeatwithin.org) for more info on his amazing work, for updates on the memorial event, and to contribute to the David Inocencio Jr. Memorial Fund to ensure that the beat goes on!