2011 Assembly Joint Resolution 74
ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION
Relating to: the life and public service of Cecil B. Brown, Jr.
Whereas, Cecil B. Brown, Jr., was born on July 29, 1926, in Chicago, Illinois, and died on June 17, 2006, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and
Whereas, he earned a Ph. B. degree in business administration from Marquette University; and
Whereas, Mr. Brown was elected to the Wisconsin assembly in 1954 representing Milwaukee's 13th District during the 1955 session; and
Whereas, while in the legislature, Mr. Brown served on the Committee on Commerce and Manufacturers; and
Whereas, Mr. Brown served in a predominately white district, and his achievement became an exemplar of black political empowerment; and
Whereas, Mr. Brown married his wife, Loretta, in 1965; and
Whereas, Mr. Brown worked tirelessly for civil rights, equality, and justice for minorities during and after his tenure in the legislature; and
Whereas, Mr. Brown broke down barriers, including the exclusion of African‐Americans from trade unions in Milwaukee; and
Whereas, Mr. Brown was a founding member of the Milwaukee chapter of the Congress of Racial Equality in 1963, bringing, along with a handful of others, “raw enthusiasm" to Milwaukee's emerging civil rights movement; and
Whereas, one of his greatest contributions was his battle with the unions to allow African Americans to participate in the trades; and
Whereas, he was also heavily involved with the Milwaukee Public Schools, fighting for the rights of the students to be taught so they would have a chance in the world; and
Whereas, Mr. Brown was well-liked and respected by many while never biting his tongue about various community and social issues, nor hesitant about confronting colleagues when he felt their actions veered away from the public's interests; and
Whereas, not only was he central in organizing and participating in many social acidities, he was an accomplished debater, plus a quarter-mile and half-mile track star; and
Whereas, Mr. Brown will be remembered for principled leadership; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the
assembly, the senate concurring, That the members of the Wisconsin legislature commend the devoted public service that Cecil B. Brown, Jr., contributed to this state and his community, express their sorrow at his death, and extend their condolences to his family and friends; and, be it further
Resolved, That the assembly chief clerk shall provide a copy of this joint resolution to Mr. Brown's wife, Loretta, and to his daughters, Faith Aguilar, Hope Greenebaum, and Cecile Brown.
