Howard Beaman Brookins, Sr. (Finding Aid)

Howard Beaman Brookins, Sr.

1932 -

Favorite Color: Blue

Favorite Food: Black Eyed Peas

Favorite Time of Year: Summer

Interview Length: 67 minutes

Interview Date(s): July 7, 2000

Interview Location(s): Chicago, Illinois

Abstract

Howard Brookins, Sr. gives background information about his mother, father and grandparents and tells how his family migrated to Chicago, Illinois. He describes his parents' personalities and how they influenced his personality. Brookins then talks about himself as a youth and mentions his entrepreneurial success selling snowballs to neighborhood children. Brookins describes the scene of Chicago during his youth. He talks about games he and his friends would play and places within the city where they would go. He then gives background information on his sisters and brother. Howard Brookins tells about his years at DuSable High School and about a teacher who had an impact on his life, as well as other individuals within the community who helped and inspired him. He then goes in depth about his careers in the U.S. Army and Chicago Police Department, telling stories and revealing his feelings during that time. Brookins then talks about different African Americans within law enforcement. Next, Howard Bro Howard Brookins states his opinions on African American legislators currently involved in Illinois politics. He then talks about his hopes and fears for the black community. Brookins describes what he'd like his legacy to be and how he'd like to be remembered. He then explains that Dr. Louis Rawls most influenced his life. Following are photographs narrated by Howard Brookins in which he appears with family, friends and colleagues.

43 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)