A Father's Gifts

Picture this: your family is at the highest level of soul music. James Brown, the "Godfather of Soul", is your uncle. Your dad - William "Boy" Brown - is spinning records as a nationally renowned and award winning DJ at KJET radio in Beaumont, TX. Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles and Aretha Franklin are part of your circle. One night, when you are 16 years old, your father is arrested on a non-violent offense. During the process, he is paralyzed during a police chokehold. When he returns home from the hospital your mother becomes a full-time caregiver for him and you, at age 16, become a mother figure to the 3 siblings in your household. Four years later your father dies. The resulting grief, anger and tears last for decades. This is the story of the early years of Billie (Bunny) Brown, now a 65-year-old Black woman living in Edmonds, WA.

William "Boy" Brown - like his brother James Brown - was passionate about music. He is credited with bringing Black music to southeast Texas and his dedication to the music industry and the local community were many. He was selected the most outstanding, influential radio personality of the year by the National Association of Television and Radio Announcers (NATRA) in the 1970's and was inducted into their Hall of Fame. He is also included in the publication “Who’s Who among Black Americans” 1975 – 1976 Edition.

In December 2020, the Mayor and City Council of Beaumont, TX announced the establishment of "Boy Brown Day" to honor Billie's father along with the original disk jockeys of the legendary KJET radio. A small event (restricted due to Covid) was held. Last year, the city held a Boy Brown Soul-o-Rama - in memory of the Sunday afternoon sock hop where Boy Brown spun records and teens danced their hearts out while their parents took a much-appreciated break. The event was attended by hundreds of people, including some of the original KJET disc jockeys, the mayor of Beaumont, local dignitaries and a multitude of music lovers from the local community and beyond.

This year Boy Brown Day has been declared an annual event - celebrating the life of a man who contributed so much to the music industry and to his community. In a celebration on December 10, the first annual Boy Brown Award will be given for Communications Excellence and Community Service. In addition, in a ceremony that will include a motorcycle parade, a presentation by the City of Beaumont, a car show and, of course (!) soul music, Boy Brown Street will be officially introduced. The permanent renaming of this street, near the former homestead of the Brown family, was unanimously agreed to by its current residents.

The growing recognition of her father over the past three years is something Billie never imagined was even remotely possible. We are seeking to raise funds so she can travel from the Seattle area to Beaumont for this historically significant event. We know there are many needs and asks of the community - especially at this time of year - but we hope there is a way to cover the costs of this important journey.