Top 10 of 2021: #1 – Community Celebrates Mr. Alton Brooks’ 100th Birthday, Mourns Ruth Brooks
In August, New Britain celebrated the 100th Birthday of Mr. Alton Brooks, one of the city’s great leaders, and later mourned the passing of his beloved wife, Ruth Brooks.
Family, friends and community members gathered in August in a joyous celebration of the 100th Birthday Mr. Alton Brooks and the leadership, counsel and encouragement he has given to generations of people.
From church, to community services, to youth programs, to community organizing to politics, Mr. Brooks has been a hero in the New Britain community and to generation of our city’s people. Mr. Brooks’ leadership has moved the New Britain community forward in countless positive ways. It is not possible to overstate how important he has been for our community.
Ruth Brooks was likewise beloved by family and friends, and the many people who were blessed to know her from her active work at church and many community organizations. Many people gathered at Spottswood A.M.E. Zion Church in November to celebrate her life, mourn her passing and bring condolences to Mr. Brooks and their family. Those involved in the New Britain Progressive mourn her, as well.
As in every year, there was so much news that the New Britain Progressive covered 2021 that choosing our traditional Top Ten stories of the year is difficult. But Mr. Alton Brooks and Mrs. Ruth Brooks mean so much to people in the New Britain community that the celebration and remembrance of their lives made this story #1 of the New Britain Progressive‘s Top Ten Stories of 2021.
Community Celebrates Mr. Alton Brooks’ 100th Birthday
August 15, 2021
Family, friends and community members gathered today to celebrate the 100 years of life and leadership of Mr. Alton Brooks in honor of his 100th Birthday.
Many attended the celebration in person at Spottswood A.M.E. Zion Church, while still more attended virtually on Zoom and Facebook.
Mr. Brooks was honored by leaders in the A.M.E. Zion Church, the community and politics, who shared recollections from his long life and years of service.
Mr. Brooks was recalled by many names at the event, but all associated with fond memories.
To family, he was cherished as a beloved father, grandfather and uncle.
Church leaders recalled that he has been a leader in his congregation since it was called Union A.M.E. Zion Church. Many recalled his years of dedication to the Church, and his steadfast leadership in it. Mr. Brooks, himself told those in attendance that everything he has done has been passing on what God has given to him.
Many people submitted videos honoring Mr. Brooks and wishing him well on his 100th Birthday. The videos were presented to those at the Church and broadcast to those watching online.
Mr. Brooks has also been recognized as a leader in the broader religious community in New Britain.
Mr. Brooks was a key labor leader in New Britain after moving from Arkansas to New Britain in the 1940s.
When community action organizations were being formed during the 1960s Great Society programs, Mr. Brooks pressed for the creation of one in New Britain, and went on to be the Executive Director of the organization, now called the Human Resources Agency of New Britain. Mr. Brooks also lead the city’s Human Rights and Opportunities office.
Mr. Brooks is a longtime leader in the New Britain Democratic Party and has worked for many generations to strengthen the party, to ensure that it presses for progressive change and to win elections for Democratic candidates.
A longtime leader in the NAACP New Britain Branch, Mr. Brooks has been considered one of the key moral voices for Civil Rights in the city and state.
Mr. Brooks is known by many as Coach Brooks, from his years coaching basketball to youth at the New Britain YMCA.
Mr. Brooks has been a revered leader in the New Britain community for generations. His words, wisdom and work have long been honored by many people, over many generations.
