Democratic Town Committee Member Alton Brooks was doing what he usually does on Election Day on November 3rd. Not letting a cold deter him, Brooks, 94, had his own sure voter list to call a network of friends, encourage them to go vote and, if need be, give them a ride to the polls.
No matter the election Mr. Brooks will always do his part to get out the vote. He came to New Britain in the 1940s from Arkansas and the Jim Crow South where segregation blocked African Americans from their franchise.
Alton Brooks (center) at ceremonies dedicating city street Alton Brooks Way in November 2012. The Scholarship Fund in his honor was launched in 2014. (F. Gerratana photo)
The commitment to civil rights and community service has guided Mr. Brooks through the years as a union shop steward, political leader, coach and founding director of the city’s community action agency.
That’s why every election day is a reminder of why Mr. Brooks is a mentor and role model for the rest of us involved in politics and why efforts are continuing to establish a permanent scholarship in his honor.
Established in 2014 the Alton Brooks Scholarship “is for a graduating high school senior from the New Britain area who embodies the qualities of service to humankind, academic achievement and the highest integrity –qualities by which Mr. Brooks has lived.”
Scholarship contributions for the Alton Brooks Scholarship Fund should be made to the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain, 74 a Vine Street, New Britain, CT 06052. To make an online gift go to DONATE NOW at the Community Foundation’s website and scroll to the Alton Brooks Scholarship Fund.
