By Tim O’Brien, with contributing research by John McNamara and from an interview with Dr. Brooks by Rev. Brian Riley and photography by Dr. Frank Gerratana
People across New Britain and beyond are in mourning because of the passing of Dr. Alton Brooks, the legendary leader, who did so much for so many, organizing, inspiring and building a better future in the city’s community for generations.
Rev. Dr. Jonathon D. Counts of Spottswood A.M.E. Zion Church, said in a statement,
We have experienced a tremendous loss in the passing of Bro. Alton Brooks who went Home to be with the Lord on Friday afternoon. His passing is impacting us all in a variety of ways because he meant so much to all of us. Bro. Brooks shared his wisdom both in the Church and Community. He is indeed an icon in the New Britain Community and the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church as a whole. He taught us both with his words and life. Bro. Brooks will never be forgotten.
This loss truly hurts and it is perfectly okay to grieve during this time. I Thessalonians 4:13 reminds us that even in our grief, we do not grieve as those who do not have any hope because we have that blessed assurance concerning where he is. The passing of Bro. Brooks also presents a challenge to each and everyone of us to make sure that his legacy continues. He has imparted so much into each of us so let us continue marching forward. Bro. Brooks showed us what a committed leader looks like and we are compelled to do the same.
Even though we may not hear his physical voice or experience his physical presence any longer, the memories, the wisdom, and love lives on. Let us take the time to reflect and remember such a wonderful servant of Christ. Take time to be prayerful for his family and all of us who have loved him dearly.
“I was blessed to have him as my mentor for the past 20+ years, aka Mr. New Britain, rest in Heaven,” said Rev. Brian K. Riley. “Your legacy will live on.”
“Rest in peace Mr. Brooks!,” said longtime community leader and organizer, State Representative Robert Sanchez (D-25). “A New Britain Legend!”
Dr. Marlo Greponne, Executive Directive Director of the Human Resources Agency, said, in a statement that,
It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Dr. Alton Brooks, a pillar of strength and wisdom in our community. Dr. Brooks, who celebrated his 100th birthday with joyous recognition just three years ago, peacefully departed this life on June 21, 2024.
Born in Arkansas and a resident of New Britain since the 1940s, Dr. Brooks’s impact spans generations and sectors. His leadership in the A.M.E. Zion Church, where he served diligently, and his pivotal roles in community action organizations during the 1960s Great Society programs, notably as Executive Director and Board Member of the Human Resources Agency of New Britain, reflect his unwavering commitment to fighting poverty through social justice and empowerment of people. Dr. Brooks also co-founded the Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC) of New Britain, focused on helping individuals succeed through education and job training.
A stalwart of the New Britain Democratic Party and a prominent voice in civil rights advocacy through his involvement with the NAACP, Dr. Brooks embodied integrity and compassion in every endeavor. Known affectionately as Coach Brooks for his dedication to youth basketball at the New Britain YMCA, he touched countless lives with his mentorship and encouragement.
Dr. Alton Brooks leaves behind a legacy of service, compassion, and leadership that will continue to inspire and guide us. His memory will forever be honored on Brooks Way, the street named in recognition of his enduring contributions to our community.
Countless people have made online comments thanking Dr. Brooks for his lifetime of work and wishing condolences to his family.
“Such a very sad loss,” said community and Democratic Party activist Rosemary Klotz. “Mr Brooks was such a wise and good man who did so much for our community. Rest in peace.”
Melanie Alvarez said online, “Sad news for our city. His legacy will live on through the amazing programs he created and for his perpetual advocacy for civil rights and anti poverty initiatives. Those of us who were lucky enough to know him, are better for it! Rest in Power Mr. Brooks!”
Dr. Brooks was an active leader. He was a longtime honored leader at the Spottswood A.M.E. Zion Church, since it was called Union A.M.E. Zion Church, and served on the board of the New Britain Area Council of Churches. He was a man of great faith, who was a leader in the A.M.E. Zion Denomination.
He was a founder and Executive Director of the Human Resources Agency, which recently honored his dedication and leadership at its 60th Anniversary Celebration. He was one of the key leaders who worked for its creation, decades ago, as part of the practical implementation of the “Great Society” programs of the 1960s.
Dr. Brooks lead the city’s Human Rights and Opportunities office, and he continued to champion the importance of that function of city government having a central and important place in city governance.
A longtime leader in the New Britain NAACP, who served as its Political Action Chair, Dr. Brooks spent a lifetime advocating for Civil Rights for African Americans and equal rights for all. In his own life, he struggled against racism. He grew up in Woodson, Arkansas in the 1930’s under Jim Crow and, when he came north, found racism here, too. He worked during his life to build a better future by fighting for Civil Rights.
Dr. Brooks was a mentor, who coached basketball for generations of young people. And he was a mentor to adults, as well, and a hopeful and optimistic voice when people needed it the most.
A longtime member of the New Britain Democratic Town Committee, Dr. Brooks was a strong and steadfast political leader. He worked tirelessly, right into his latter years, to inspire progressive-minded Democrats to organize and win for the values of equality and justice for all that he championed. He led the Black Democrats of New Britain and fought against racism with political organizing.
Dr. Brooks’ voice was respected by political leaders at the national, state and local level. His voice was respected by politicians of all parties, but he expected the most from Democrats. He was a true believer in the Democratic Party, and what it is supposed to stand for, and he pressed for Democratic leaders to do the right thing and for people to elect them to do so.
He strongly believed in the Democratic Party and egalitarian politics. Right into his latter years, he was working to inspire Democrats to organize. He was gracious to all elected officials, but he wanted Democrats to win at the national, state and local level – and looked forward to Democrats being elected as Mayor and to the City Council.
Dr. Brooks believed in coalition-building and he inspired everyday people and political leaders, alike, to strive for more progressive-minded policies to advance the well-being of everyone. I learned so much from him as he led the coalition we worked to organize to win New Britain’s Living Wage Ordinances – something well worth breathing new life into, by the way.
Alton Brooks cared deeply for his family. He spoke of his family often and it was always easy to see how much he was proud of and loved them. My deepest condolences to all of Dr. Brooks’ family at this sad time.
I will always remember Dr. Alton Brooks as an eternally kind, but firm leader, as a mentor and friend, as an activist and organizer and as a man of great faith, who believed in the best in humanity. It is an understatement to say that the world is far better for him being here. I also know I am far from alone in saying that I am far better from knowing, learning from and being led by him.
Dr. Brooks lives in the hearts of thousands of people and his legacy and goodness will reverberate through New Britain’s history yet to come.
Editor’s note: The New Britain Progressive invites readers to submit your thoughts on what Dr. Alton Brooks has meant to you and our community for future article(s) or commentary paying tribute(s) to his memory. Send your comments to [email protected]. Please do include your name, but feel free to let us know if you would like to keep your comments anonymous.
Editor’s Note: The cover photo for this article is by local photographer and photo historian, Dr. Frank Gerratana.
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