(BALTIMORE – September 21. 2024) – The good book says to “honor thy father and thy mother that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.” With that said, Kevin Brown, the son of Herb Brown, really and truly honored his father today.
If you are from Baltimore, then you know about Mondawmin Mall. From around 1968 to about 1997, Herb Brown was a fixture at the Westside shopping center. Mondawmin Travel Center booked thousands of trips for primarily African Americans. For many, Brown’s establishment was a sort of passport to the world.
Today, aboard Spirit Baltimore, a ton of people showed up to give him love on his 100th birthday. It was the best of Baltimore! Dan Henson, the former housing commissioner-turned-developer, was in the house with his dashing blazer. Congressman Kweisi Mfume came along, too, for the two-hour journey from the Inner Harbor to just past Fort McHenry and back. Theo Rogers, the real estate tycoon, also attended. Further, former Mayor Catherine Pugh also showed up, although she didn’t come aboard.
According to Kevin Brown, Pugh encouraged him to have the centennial birthday bash and helped him contact hard-to-reach people.
To say the least, it was a celebration of a king.
Can you imagine turning 100?
Kevin said that his father has been instrumental in his life and always set an excellent example for a father. His father’s entrepreneurial spirit most tantalizes Kevin.
“He used to sell Valentine’s beds and high school rings for J. Jemkins & Sons out on Whitehead Rd., and he worked at the Post Office for several years,” said Kevin. “And he was in the US Army during WWII.”
He added, “He has been a wonderful dad who was always the provider. I just always looked up to him. I get my business acumen from him. I always wanted to be in business – just like pops. He came home daily, ate dinner, read the newspaper, and talked.”
But he also knew the streets.
“He was tight with Willie Adams. That was his crew. He’d hang at the Casino on Pennsylvania Avenue.”
Yes, this was an extraordinary occasion.
Kevin said, “Today was just – I don’t know the words – overwhelming! Seeing the support from the people who said they were coming was pleasing. And they showed up.”
Kevin added that his dad was phenomenal at pinocle. “He was a helluva card player.” He also played poker.
He said that while many of his dad’s friends had passed away, many are still here, and they showed up today in a remarkable way.
Noting his dad’s involvement with the Vanguard political group, Kevin remembers people coming to his house on Sundays for meetings. That is why he is so grateful for the politicians who showed up today, like former Chief Judge of the State of Maryland Robert Bell, Senator Jill P. Carter, and Delegate Sandy Rosenberg.
Kevin thanked his oldest daughter, Erica, for her incredible assistance.
“It gives me chills to know that people come out like that,” said Kevin. “It’s a good day!”
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