Say not in grief he is no more – but live in thankfulness that he was. – Hebrew Proverb

As a public education advocate for 25 years in Baltimore County, MD, I have been privileged to know and learn from some very intelligent and passionate people who worked to try to make sure that all students in Baltimore County and Maryland will receive an education that prepares them for life after high school. These individuals have been consistently dedicated to quality and equity in education and worked to improve academic rigor, especially in elementary, middle and high schools with majority minority and socioeconomically disadvantaged student populations.

In August 2014, one of the giants in Baltimore County and Maryland public education and community leadership died after battling chronic illness for many years. Dunbar Brooks was a husband, father, grandfather and friend to many who worked for the equity that was promised to black people over a century ago and finally started to become a reality in 1964 with the Federal civil rights legislation.

I did not meet Dunbar Brooks until the final year of his service on the Baltimore County Board of Education after attending a Board meeting. I knew instinctively that he was passionate about education in a quiet and self-assured way. He was also very approachable and not at all impressed with himself.

Dunbar, in his education advocacy, focused on the goal of equity in education for all students regardless of race, color, religious belief, socioeconomic status, learning disability, family makeup, or zip code. After meeting Dunbar, and having met and worked with Maggie Kennedy another volunteer dedicated to equity in education, I learned how important it is to work with local, state and Federal representatives to provide equal opportunities for all students by leveling the playing field for students who are disadvantaged in any way.

Unfortunately for me, Dunbar Brooks moved on to the State Board of Education soon after I met him. However, fortunately for me, our paths continued to cross occasionally. On the bright side, I have come to know Dunbar’s daughter, Cheryl Brooks. Dunbar lives on in Cheryl. Cheryl is a gifted teacher and principal at a Baltimore County public elementary school.

I was always amazed by Dunbar’s intelligent calm. You could see the passion in Dunbar’s eyes. If ever Shakespeare’s phrase “the eyes are the window to your soul” applied, it did with Dunbar Brooks. We will honor your memory with our advocacy for effective and equitable education for all students.