HLA Foundation | Hope, Love, and Assurance

More Than a Memory.
A Legacy of Hope.

Harryson L. Anderson was, above all else, somebody’s baby. At 18 years old, standing tall with his whole life ahead of him, he was the heart of his home. He was the young man with a gentle presence and impeccable manners, the dedicated student pursuing his dreams in cybersecurity, and the loyal friend whose laughter echoed around the backyard pool.

He didn't need bright, flashy colors to stand out; he preferred the quiet confidence of gray and black. He was the kind of son you woke up early for, just to get him ready for college. He was the kind of friend who kept his headset on late into the night, making sure he was always connected to the people he cared about.

In a single, tragic moment of gun violence, the world lost a beautiful soul. But in his final moments, Harryson was not alone. He was surrounded by angels, compassionate strangers who held his hand, wiped his tears, and saw the incredible young man he was.

Today, Harryson’s physical presence is deeply missed, but his spirit remains untamed. Through the H.L.A. Foundation, his family is turning their profound grief into a mission. Hope, Love, and Assurance: these are not just words; they are the very essence of how Harryson lived. And through this foundation, his name will continue to comfort the grieving, uplift the average student, and shine a light in the darkest of places.

Scroll to read

In Loving Memory of Harryson L. Anderson

Hope. Love.
Assurance.

A mother’s love, turned into a lasting legacy. Fighting gun violence and uplifting the unseen across North Carolina.

Harryson L. Anderson

Harryson Lafayette Anderson

The Anderson Family

The Anderson Family

The Inspiration

His Story

Harryson's friends would say he was an extrovert and not as quiet as everyone thought. He would observe first, and you would have to slowly get to know him. Once you knew him, he was very talkative, friendly, and easy-going.

He loved gaming, keeping up with his friends, and spending time around the family pool. Harryson always invited friends over to swim or to family cookouts, and many of his close friends vacationed with the family. He encouraged a friend not to quit basketball when the doubt set in, stepped in as an unlikely matchmaker on more than one occasion, and always found something worth protecting in the people he loved.

He was eighteen years old, pursuing a future in cybersecurity, with his whole life ahead of him. His mother woke up at 7 in the morning just to get him ready for college. That was the kind of person Harryson was: the kind worth showing up early for.

"Harryson was not planned. At the time I found out I was pregnant, I had one daughter in college and one that was ten. I really thought I was done. My mother, who was terminally ill at the time, told me 'that's your boy.' Her words proved to be true, and I was so excited to finally have a son." Nina Anderson, Mother
Read His Full Story

Core Values

The H.L.A. Legacy

Our mission is to help stop gun violence and assist the underprivileged. When families connect with us, we want them to know that someone "hears you, sees you, feels you, and wants to help."

Providing community support to underserved, undersupported communities and scholarships, and sponsorship to deserving students at Ascend Leadership Academy.

Hope

Harryson always saw the "silver lining" in things, offering hope to his friends and others when they were in distress. He encouraged those around him to be confident.

Love

A very humble, kind, and loving young man. Whether playing matchmaker or inviting friends over to family cookouts, his love was an anchor for his community.

Assurance

Harryson believed in seeing things through. He would encourage friends not to quit, ensuring they knew their worth and that they always had someone in their corner.

Our Impact

Programs & Initiatives

The H.L.A. Scholarship

Many times, hardworking, average students are overlooked. They can feel invisible because their quiet dedication doesn't always make the headlines, despite giving their all. We believe these students hold incredible value.

Harryson firmly believed that every human being has something unique to offer, and starting in the 2026-2027 school year, this $2,500 scholarship is dedicated to shining a light on their worth.

Eligibility Requirements

  • High School Senior at Ascend Leadership Academy
  • Maintains a GPA between 2.0 - 3.0
  • Holds No Disciplinary Record during the application year
  • Submission of a 500-word essay: "The Impact of Gun Violence: Strategies for Fostering Peace and Safety in the Community."

Point of Contact

H.L.A. Foundation · [email protected]

Community Advocacy

Beyond the classroom, the foundation stands alongside underprivileged families across North Carolina. We provide resources, support, and a voice for those shattered by gun violence, ensuring no mother has to fight this battle alone.

Underserved Outreach

We actively fund and organize initiatives aimed at uplifting the unseen. From backing local youth programs to providing direct assistance to grieving families, our goal is to translate Harryson's legacy into tangible action.