Up from Harlem: A Pictorial Autobiography
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About this ebook
R. Alexander Brown
Born in the village of Harlem New York, educated in Spanish Harlem, Traveled thoughout Europe for the past twenty-five years. Work within AT&T, as a technician, consultant, engineer and manager, for twenty-eight years, now retired. Dual career with the United States Air Force Reserves as a technician, crew chief, First Sergeant and finally as a Family Support Consultant retired. Graduat of Monroe College, Community College of The Air Force. George Washington University. Other experiences include tax consultant, teacher, retail clerk. Currently employed as a Correction Officer with the City of New York.
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Up from Harlem - R. Alexander Brown
CONTENTS
DEDICATION
INTRODUCTION
IRENE BAISE-JOHNSON
MY PARENTS
STORIES FROM MY FATHER
NINA KEEN JOHNSON-BROWN
THE EARLY YEARS
PUBLIC SCHOOL 102
JEFFERSON PARK JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
AN INSPIRING THANK YOU LETTER
SCHOOLS
ESTELLE FREEMAN WOODS-BROWN (BUNNY) AND NINA DESIRE BROWN
EASTER 1971
BRITANNICA SOCIETY MEMBER OF THE BRITANNIA SOCIETY SINCE 1971
THE JOURNAL ENTRIES
THE SIXTIES
THE POLICE YEARS
A BRIEF WORK HISTORY
MY FIRST PUBLISHED ARTICLE
BASIC TRAINING SQUADRON
3362ND SCHOOL SQUADRON
MILITARY GRADUATION PICTURE 1977
THE MILITARY YEARS
STUDENT LEADERSHIP TRAINING
A TOUCHING LETTER
AUTOMATIC FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM CERTIFICATE OF TRAINING
3362ND LETTER OF APPRECIATION
LETTER OF APPRECIATION
DIPLOMA BASIC ELECTRICITY
AUTOMATIC FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEMS CERTIFICATE OF TRAINING
THE EUROPEAN TOUR
OUR WEDDING PARTY
NETWORK DESIGN LEARNING CENTER BASIC ELECTRONICS DIPLOMA
CERTIFICATE OF TRAINING OJT TRAINER /SUPERVISOR ORIENTATION
CERTIFICATE OF TRAINING AUTOMATIC FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEMS
CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION BRONX DISTRICT ATTORNEY
CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION BRONX DISTRICT ATTORNEY
LETTER OF APPRECIATION BRONX DISTRICT ATTORNEY
CERTIFICATE OF TRAINING NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICER LEADERSHIP
CERTIFICATE OF TRAINING MAINTENANCE DATA COLLECTION
THANK YOU LETTER, FROM ABC
ACKNOWLEDGMENT LETTER FROM ABC TO AT&T
CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT COMPUTER AWARENESS
UNUSUAL PLACES
PICTURE FROM FIRST LADY NANCY REGAN
LETTER OF APPRECATION BOLD EAGLE
CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION BOLD EAGLE
CERTIFICATE OF TRAINING OJT FAMILIARIZATION
AIR FORCE ACHIEVEMENT MEDAL
VALLEY OF THE FALLEN (EL VALLE DE LOS CAÍDOS) SPAIN
CERTIFICATE OF TRAINING ALL WEATHER LANDING SYSTEM
CERTIFICATE OF TRAINING ALL WEATHER LANDING SYSTEMS
SENIOR ENLISTED ADVISOR LETTER
FAMILY PICNIC 1987 MARCUS GARVY PARK
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION SYSTEM 75
TECHNICAL SERGEANT PERFORMANCE REPORT 1
TECHNICAL SERGEANT PERFORMANCE REPORT 2
NORTHERN MANHATTAN FSO HALL OF FAME
TORREJON SPAIN 1988
HONORABLE DISCHARGE 1988
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION DEFINITY GENERIC II
DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER INTERPOLATION INTEGRATED SYSTEM DIGITAL NETWORKS
PERSONAL FINANICIAL EDUCATION PROGRAM
TELEPHONE PIONEERS OF AMERICA 25 YEAR MEMBERSHIP
UNITED NEGRO COLLEGE FUND CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION
AIR NATIONAL GUARD NCO ACADEMY CERTIFICATE OF TRAINING
EFFECTIVE WRITING COURSE CERTIFICATE OF TRAINING
SEA NCO LEADERSHIP CONGRATULATIONS LETTER
UNITED NEGRO COLLEGE FUND CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION
MCGUIRE OPEN HOUSE LETTER OF APPRECIATION
OPERATION DESERT SHIELD / STORM CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION
DESERT SHIELD /STORM LETTER
DESERT SHIELD / STORM LETTER OF APPRECIATION
AFRES NCO LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM TRAINING
NCO LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT CLASS
VINCENNES UNIVERSITY LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
ROLAND A. BROWN 1990 MILITARY PICTURE
INTERNATIONAL SHOOTER DEVELOPMENT FUND CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION
BASIC INCOME TAX PREPARATION CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION
UNITED NEGRO COLLEGE FUND LETTER OF APPRECIATION
AIR FORCE COMMENDATION MEDAL
CITATION TO ACCOMPANY AIR FORCE COMMENDATION MEDAL
REGGIE’S RAIDERS QUALITY SPECIALIST
QUALITY SPECIALIST TRAINING CERTIFICATE OF TRAINING
QUALITY TRAINING COURSE CERTIFICATE OF TRAINING
THE DARK SIDE
CERTIFICATE OF INDUCTION IN SENIOR NCO CORPS
SEA ADVISOR LETTER ON PROMOTION TO MASTER SERGEANT
NETWORK OPERATIONS AND TRAINING QUALITY CUSTOMER CONTACTS
1993 GERMANY LETTER OF APPRECIATION
1993 DESERT STAR LETTER OF APPRECIATION
1994 HONORABLE DISCHARGE
ANN AND I AT 2002 MILITARY BALL
AIR FORCE QUALITY CENTER SELF ASSESSMENT COURSE
AIR FORCE COMMENDATION MEDAL FIRST OAK LEAF CLUSTER
CITATION TO ACCOMPANY AIR FORCE COMMENDATION FIRST OAK LEAF
CLASSROOM TEACHING TECHNIQUES
EVENTS OF THE EMERGENCY CARE OF SMSGT HUTCHISON
LETTER OF APPRECIATION FROM SMS LANE BADER
AIR FORCE COMMENDATION MEDAL SECOND OAK LEAF CLUSTER
CITATION TO ACCOMPANY AIR FORCE COMMENDATION SECOND OAK LEAF
DEFENSIVE DRIVING COURSE
AMERICAN TELEPHONE AND TELEGRAPH 25 YEAR CERTIFICATE
ACHIEVING EXTRAORDINARY CUSTOMER RELATIONS TRAINING
AT&T TWENTY-FIVE YEAR CONGRATULATORY LETTER
POSITIONS HELD DURING 1995 ALLIANCE NEW YORK CONVENTION
AFRES FIRST SERGEANTS ACADEMY CLASS 96A
AFRES FIRST SERGEANTS ACADEMY CLASS 96A
PRESENTATION OF FIRST SERGEANTS DIPLOMA
MEMBERSHIP INTO FIRST SERGEANTS DIAMOND CLUB
FIRST SERGEANTS CREED
CERTIFICATE OF TRAINING USAFR FIRST SERGEANTS ACADEMY
GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND PUBLIC
NRA LEGION OF HONOR
THE ALLIANCE OF BLACK TELECOMMUNICATIONS EMPLOYEES INC CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION
LEADERSHIP AND PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATE OF TRAINING
NEW YORK BLOOD CENTER APHERESIS DONOR CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION
MONROE COLLEGE ASSOCIATES IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
BEST IN CLASS AT&T GLOBAL SERVICES
78TH ARS LETTER OF APPRECIATION
THE BROWN SIBILINGS
ALLIANCE OF BLACK TELECOMMUNICATIONS EMPLOYEES INC.
AT&T SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY
INTRODUCTION TO WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS
PRESENTATION TECHNIQUES
SCHEDULING AND COST CONTROL
514™ FAMILY CARE PROCESS ACTION TEAM
FIRST SERGEANTS COUNCIL CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION
FIRST SERGEANTS COUNCIL LETTER OF APPRECIATION
AT&T SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY
PROJECT LEADERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS
PROJECT MANAGEMENT APPLICATIONS
THE GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
51⁴TH MISSION SUPPORT SQUADRON
CITY OF MOUNT VERNON COMMENDATION
NORSTAR MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT
FAMILY READINESS LIAISON TECHNICIAN TRAINING
FAMILY READINESS/MATTERS WORKSHOP
MONROE COLLEGE
HONORABLE DISCHARGE
JOINT SERVICES FAMILY PROGRAM WORKSHOP
FAMILY READINESS BRINGS YOU A STEP CLOSER
AIR FORCE TRAINING COURSE
FAMILY READINESS WORKSHOP
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF THE AIR FORCE
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF THE AIR FORCE
RECOMMENDATION FOR DECORATION
AIR FORCE ACHIEVEMENT MEDAL FIRST OAK LEAF
A SMALL TOKEN
RETIREMENT CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION
WHAT MATTERS MOST CERTIFICATE OF TRAINING
WHAT MATTERS MOST
SEVEN HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PEOPLE
AFRICA AMERICAN CULTURAL AWARENESS ASSOCIATION
FASHION EXPLOSION 2002 LETTER OF APPRECIATION
FASHION EXPLOSION 2002 LETTER OF APPRECIATION 2
FAMILY READINESS TECHNICIAN LIAISONS CLASS 2002
THANK YOU LETTER CLASS 2002
HANNIBAL COX, JR., CHAPTER, TUSKEGEE AIRMEN,
ORANGE MIDDLE SCHOOL CAREER DAY
ALLIANCE DIAMOND AWARD FOR MENTORING
FAMILY READINESS QUALIFICATION COURSE
FAMILY READINESS COURSE MAXWELL AFB MAY 24 2002
LETTER OF COMMENDATION MCGUIRE AFB 2002 BLACK HISTORY MONTH
BURLINGTON COUNTY NEWS ARTICLE
DANGEROUS
ATWIND ANGEL CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION
RECOGNITION EMPLOYER APPRECIATION DAY
CONSPICUOUS SERVICE STATE OF NEW YORK
LETTER ACCOMPANY CONSPICUOUS SERVICE STATE OF NEW YORK
LETTER OF APPRECIATION EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION DAY 1
EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION DAY CERTIFICATION OF APPRECIATION 2
TUSKEGEE AIRMEN INC. CERTIFICATE OF MEMBERSHIP
COMPASSION FATIGUE PANEL DISCUSSION CERTIFICATE OF TRAINING
FAMILY SUPPORT TEAM
SUPERVISOR SAFETY TRAINING COURSE VIII
CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION TEAM MCGUIRE
RECORDS MANAGEMENT REFRESHER COURSE
LA SALLE UNIVERSITY CERTIFICATE PRESENTATION
AT&T KANSAS CITY
AIR FORCE RESERVE VOLUNTEER ADVISORY COMMITTEE
CERTIFICATE OF APPOINTMENT TO AFRC VOLUNTEER ADVISORY COUNCIL
AFRC FAMILY SUPPORT DIRECTOR & LIAISON WORKSHOP
BURLINGTON COUNTY FARM FAIR LETTER OF APPRECIATION
FAMILY SUPPORT RETREAT
FAMILY SUPPORT STAFF
MISSION SUPPORT COMMANDER THANK YOU
LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION FOR FIRST SERGEANT POSITION
CRITICAL STRESS MANAGEMENT ADVANCED
FAMILY READINESS CONFERENCE SAN ANTONIO TEXAS
FAMILY READINESS CONFERENCE SAN ANTONIO TEXAS 2
BEACON NEWS ARTICLE
A WEEK IN A LIFE
GERMANY 2003
LETTER OF GRADITUTE 2004
AWARDS RECIEVED
AFRC FAMILY READINESS OF THE YEAR INDIVIDUAL AWARD
AFRC OUTSTANDING FAMILY SUPPORT/ INDIVIDUAL OF THE YEAR
AIR FORCE ACHIEVEMENT MEDAL SECOND OAK LEAF CLUSTER
926TH FIGHTER WING LETTER OF APPRECIATION
AFRC FAMILY SUPPORT DIRECTORS AND LIAISON WORKSHOP PICTURE
AFRC FAMILY SUPPORT DIRECTORS AND LIAISON WORKSHOP
COLONEL JAMES STEWART HAPPY BIRTHDAY LETTER
FLORIDA FAMILY SUPPORT CONFERENCE
NON-PUBLIC EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION
GLOUCESTER FREEHOLDERS LETTER OF COMMENDATION
STATE OF NEW JERSEY SENATE AND GENERAL ASSEMBLY CITATION
DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION 2006
DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION 2006 2
RECRUIT OFFICER TRAINING PROGRAM
CORRECTION OFFICER RO BROWN # 17389
A NEW CAREER
AFRC 514 AMW RETIREMENT PLAQUE
COMMUNITY PROTESTANT CHURCH
WHAT IS IN A NAME?
REVELATIONS / LEADERSHIP
ANN’S AIR FORCE CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION
ARMED FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION
RETIREMENT AIR FORCE CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION
PORT AUTHORITY OF NY & NJ POLICE DEPARTMENT
LETTER FROM FORMER PRESIDENT GEORGE BUSH SR.
LETTER FROM NEW JERSEY HOUSE REPRESENTATIVE JOHN SAXTON
LETTER FROM FORMER PRESIDENT WILLIAM JEFFERSON CLINTON
PHOTOGRAPH THAT ACCOMPANIED RETIREMENT LETTER
RETIREMENT LETTER FROM FORME0R PRESIDENT JIMMY CARTER
ANN AND I AT THE 51⁴TH MAW 2008 MILITARY BALL
LITERATURE THAT HAS INFLUENCED ME
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
ENDNOTES
DEDICATION
To Ann
This book is one of the reasons why I spent so much time in my office
To my children
Nina, Denise, Tamika, Monroe, Rolanda and Roland
I dedicate this book to you, and your future generations, to explain who your
father was. Moreover, when you, start your own family history.
To my grandchildren
Keyana, Keenan, Kenyan, Brian, Aja, Jada, Matthew, Savannah, Monroe,
Kaliel, Simone, Ziaire, Gabriella, Deon and Bryan
This book is dedicated to all the people in my life who have helped me to
make a difference in other peoples’ lives
This book has names of, people, places, and faces who have influenced me
throughout my life and I Thank You.
I would also like the thank the people of the following organizations
AT&T, Liz Claiborne, Prudential Securities, IBM, US Air Force Reserves,
Tuskegee Airmen Inc., The Alliance of Black Telecommunications
Employees Inc. And The NYC Department of Corrections. And finally
In addition, the other people in my life whom I have failed to mention.
Finally to the people at GMDC Dorm 13.
INTRODUCTION
I believe you can achieve almost anything you desire. The only limitation is your mind. In addition, your greatest asset is your Intellectual property, in which I believe one should share.
For immortality is only achieved, when one decides to, pass on their knowledge.
By three methods, we may learn wisdom:
First, by reflection, this is noblest,
Second, by imitation, this is easiest,
And third, by experience, which is the bitterest-Confucius
As I spoke to one of my daughters Denise about this book, she indicated that she was unaware of some aspects of my life; however, she wanted to know what made me become the person I am today? I will try to answer this question, through this book with stories associated with my life.
Our lives however are filled with Significant Emotional Events (SEE’s). These events can happen at anytime and anywhere, they can be subtle to traumatic. A Significant Emotional Event is an experience, (or experiences), that creates an emotional meaning-a belief if you like-which shapes and affects us later in life. These events define, who we are or what we are to become. These emotional meanings, could be positive, (enjoying a School nativity play as a kid; enjoying public speaking as an adult, attending a wedding?) or it could be negative (hating a school nativity play as a kid; hating public speaking as an adult, attending a funeral).. I will attempt to answer this question: by relating some significant emotional events that shaped and guided me into the person that I am today. Growing up with my family in Harlem and Spanish Harlem, my exploits as a teenager and young man, my first marriage and divorce, and subsequent, second marriage. Meetings and talks with famous and not so famous personalities both living and deceased. My intensive travels through Europe over a thirty-year period. Visiting countries like Germany, Spain, Africa, France, Switzerland, Amsterdam, Italy, Turkey and many other counties; and experiences, that, I would like to share with you. I was a late starter in accomplishing many things in my life. Nevertheless, I believe that everyone achieves something in his or her, own time.
There is an appointed time for everything.
And there is a time for every event under heaven.
A time to give birth, and a time to die;
A time to plant, and a time to up root what is planted.
A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to tear down, and a time to buildup.
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.
A time to throw stones, and a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace, and a time to shun embracing.
A time to search, and a time to give up as lost;
A time to keep, and a time to throw away.
A time to tear apart, and a time to sew together;
A time to be silent, and a time to speak.
A time to love, and a time to hate;
A time for war, and a time for peace.
(Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)
Therefore, I hope you do not mind me, sharing some of my accomplishments and experiences with you.
When I was a child,
I spoke like a child,
Thought like a child,
And reasoned like a child,
When I became an adult;
I no longer used childish ways.
(1st Corinthians 13:11)
IRENE BAISE-JOHNSON
My Maternal Grandmother June 1956
Image360.JPGMY PARENTS
Image369.JPGCharles James Brown and Nina Keen Johnson-Brown
STORIES FROM MY FATHER
My father told us many stories when we were growing up. Some of the more prominent stories that I remember, I will share to you.
In these stories told to me by my father, there were themes to sometimes, accommodate some of these stories he told me. My father was born on March 6, 1923 in Montell, Florida His mother Marie, was a laundress and seamstress. He resided with his family at 928 ½ 6th Avenue Hillsborough, Florida. He was the youngest of six siblings. They were five boys, Abraham (the boxer), David, (the chef), Butch, Charles, and one brother whose name was not known to me, and one sister by the name of, Marie. Since my father Charles was the youngest, he had to leave school to take care of his mother. My understanding is that he left school when he was in the third grade. (Therefore, providing the catalyst for his overwhelming desired, for us to obtain our education). He started driving a tractor-trailer at an early age, about twelve years old. I was told that licenses’ were not required or issued during those early years. He worked in the dry cleaning industry, where he indicated it was too hot and the fumes were too noxious. He did indicate that he went to school to become a cook. Charles was a meticulous dresser. He would relay to us how when he was young, his mother would dye his socks, shirts, hatbands and handkerchiefs so these items would match when he wore then together. Therefore, when he stepped out he was sharp in his appearance. This was reflected in the pictures in this book of Charles.
He volunteered in the Army Air Forces on fourth of February 1943 with a Military Occupation Specialty (MOS) of a Clerk Typist or Duty NCO. My father entered the service under a buddy system, where he enlisted with a few of his friends. He was harassed, by a number of NCO’s (non commissioned officers) when