[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 73 (Tuesday, May 3, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E451]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              CELEBRATING MR. ALVIN BROOKS' 90TH BIRTHDAY

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                          HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 3, 2022

  Mr. CLEAVER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate and honor Mr. 
Alvin Brooks for his decades of service to Missouri's Fifth 
Congressional District and to congratulate him on his most recent 
milestone: his 90th birthday. Having spent a lifetime advancing civil 
and human rights, Alvin Brooks is a Kansas City legend who has been 
recognized in both chambers of Congress. On this momentous occasion, it 
is once again worth reflecting on Al's inspiring narrative.
  Born into poverty during the early years of the Great Depression, 
Alvin and his family struggled to make ends meet. Coming of age during 
a time when legal segregation was still yet to be declared 
unconstitutional, Alvin never forgot the lessons he learned while 
navigating the injustices of Jim Crow. Firsthand knowledge of the 
country's racial caste system, and the oppressive measures used to 
uphold it, generated within him a deep desire for justice and a strong 
sense of right and wrong. Alvin understood the importance of Black 
Americans being represented in all professional fields, particularly 
law and politics. It is only fitting, then, that he became one of 
Kansas City's only Black police officers in the 1950s. Not only that, 
but he also founded the AdHoc Group Against Crime--a grassroots 
organization dedicated to reducing violence, solving crimes, and 
bringing about healing--and later organized the city's Human Relations 
Department, making him the first Black department head in Kansas City 
government.
  Alvin continued to inspire. He was twice elected to City Council, 
served as the Mayor Pro Tem, and came within 851 votes of becoming 
Mayor of Kansas City, Missouri. Alvin chaired city's the Public Safety 
Committee, the Police Capital Improvements Oversight Committee, the 
Police Site Selection Committee, and was vice-chair of the Aviation 
Committee and the Finance and Audit Committee. Whatever his station, 
though, Alvin was always a man of the people. He opposed racism in all 
its forms, brought justice to the community, and prioritized fairness 
and equality. ``Hate the sin, love the sinner''--that is Alvin. Through 
it all, he kept his roots. His work in Kansas City, though, is 
demonstrative of the work we need to do in communities all across 
America. Justice, fairness, and human rights: these are neither 
specific to locale nor timeframe. They are universal and eternal.
  President George H.W. Bush appointed Alvin to the President's 
National Drug Advisory Council. He was one of President Bush's 
``Thousand Points of Light,''--a select group of Americans who were 
recognized for volunteering in cities and towns across the country--
serving in that capacity for three years. Understanding the devastating 
impact that the influx of drugs inflicted on underserved communities, 
Alvin worked tirelessly to steer others away from substance abuse. 
Missouri Governor Jay Nixon appointed him to the Kansas City Board of 
Police Commissioners, where he used his seat at the table to advocate 
for the fair meting of justice. Alvin is also the fortysecond recipient 
of the Harry S. Truman Award for Public Service, the highest honor 
awarded by the City of Independence, Missouri. His name is on that list 
along with some quite notable company: Jimmy Carter, Gerald Ford, and 
Bill Clinton, to name just a few. I would be remiss not to mention 
Alvin's five honorary doctorates as well.
  Aside from the work itself and all the accolades, Alvin has always 
sought to educate and inspire the next generation. He has served on 
boards of many community organizations, nonprofits, and businesses, 
sharing his knowledge and experience. His work as a motivational 
speaker, lecturer, and conductor of seminars and workshops has ensured 
that leaders in all fields are not only aware of how far our country 
has come, but of the work that still remains. Indeed, his passion for 
education bears out in his work with universities throughout my 
district. The next generation has a great example in Alvin, and his 
ninety years on Earth offer a gold mine of invaluable lessons.
  As we celebrate his 90th birthday and distinguished career, I hope my 
colleagues will join me in honoring Mr. Alvin Brooks. Here's to many 
more.

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