Community advocate Kelvin Brooks taken from us by asthma caused by the pollution he fought

Viewing is Thursday, Aug. 30, 2-6 p.m., at Duggan’s Mortuary, 3434 17th St.; funeral is Friday, Aug. 31, 11 a.m., at Providence Baptist Church, 1601 McKinnon Ave., San Francisco

by Shirletha Holmes-Boxx

Kelvin Brooks Sr. was a lifelong resident of the Bayview Hunters Point community and president of the National Organization Against Gangs, Inc., since 2014. During his incumbency, he helped mobilize the BVHP community around critical issues that impacted the residents.

Working in collaboration with many community based organizations and coalitions, he mobilized residents in campaigns such as: Get Out to Vote; Stop Killing and Start Healing; Justice for Kenneth Harding, Mario Woods, Jessica Williams, Alex Nieto and others; the Annual OG Reunion; and countless social events supporting members of the Bayview Hunters Point community.

Kelvin-Brooks-Sr.-239x300, Community advocate Kelvin Brooks taken from us by asthma caused by the pollution he fought, Culture Currents
The legacy of Kelvin Brooks Sr. (11/4/1960-8/18/2018), age 57, will continue through his loving children, family and friends of the Bayview Hunters Point community.
Kelvin-Brooks-protests-outside-City-Hall-224x300, Community advocate Kelvin Brooks taken from us by asthma caused by the pollution he fought, Culture Currents
Kelvin Brooks protests outside City Hall. He succumbed to his asthma after vigorously fighting for environmental justice in the Bayview Hunters Point community.

Kelvin Brooks used the experiences and challenges of his adolescent life in BVHP as a narrative to prevent children, youth and families from trajectories leading to incarceration.

After being frustrated about the gun violence in his community, he led a campaign for parents to hold their children accountable for their actions and give no more excuses.

The contributions that Kelvin Brooks the activist, father, brother, uncle and, as the community refers to him, “OG Legend,” made towards the betterment of BVHP and the City and County of San Francisco are countless. He worked with diligence and vigor even with health challenges for not only the residents of BVHP but the residents of San Francisco as a whole.

The loss of Kelvin Brooks on Aug. 18 from an asthma attack is ironic as he spent hours in neighborhood meetings addressing the toxins in the air specifically in BVHP.

The passing of this great leader will cause a deep void of sadness in the community. We therefore must all recommit and continue the work of Kelvin Brooks, as he has left a road map for us to follow.

Kelvin leaves his legacy to his wonderful children, family and friends of the BVHP community.

For more information, contact Shirletha Holmes-Boxx at solarholmes2@hotmail.com.