Osbourne Mackenly Brown
April 21, 1944 – July 7, 2011

Ozzie Brown’s purpose for being here, in his own words, “was to polish my life…through the people I engage on a daily basis, through my work. They are a part of my support team. For example, the people that one engages in daily life, the circumstances that come about, those interactions help me polish my life and reveal my true identity.  They become my students, my teachers, and my mentors.”

Osbourne Mackenly Brown was born on April 21, 1944 in Plowden, Jamaica.  Raised by his mother’s cousin  Myrtle Plummer (affectionately called Mutt), he spent his early years in Jamaica until, at age 14, he traveled to Mamaroneck, New York to be with his mother, Selma Campbell.

At Mamaroneck High School, he began to define his life’s philosophy of self reflection, and his passion for seeing the potential within everyone and creating opportunities for others. He became a member of the NAACP Youth Group. Too young to go on a march during the Civil Rights Movement, Ozzie helped to support by creating placards and signs.

In further service to his country, Ozzie served in the military during the Vietnam War. Upon his discharge in 1969, he entered the film and music industry.  Ozzie Brown amassed an impressive list of credits as a musician, film producer, director, publicist, and personal manager for Peter Tosh and Taj Mahal.  As Ozzie walked through the industry, he served as a catalyst for change.  As a producer of the iconic film on the Ali/Forman fight in Zaire, Ozzie was able to employ several African-American film crews, a breakthrough opportunity at the time.

Ozzie’s interests and talents led to many transformations in his philosophies, his activism, and his daily work life. As a contractor, Ozzie was an alchemist; he could turn iron into gold.  The dingiest kitchen or bathroom would become a work of art. His artistry and creativity earned him a reputation which was second to none.  He never advertised, and his clients became longtime friends.

Ozzie loved to travel, but he was a devoted member of the communities where he lived. Even while visiting China and observing their exploding development, he was thinking of ways to provide opportunity and growth in the Bronx where he resided for the past 20 years. Ozzie Brown was a leader on Community Board 7 where he lived, appointed in 2002 by Adolfo Carrion, Jr., Bronx Borough President at the time. Ozzie served as First Vice-Chair of the Community Board until his passing. Even during his illness, Ozzie continued to attend meetings and to be a positive force on the Board.  During his tenure as Chair of Land Use and Re-Zoning Committee, he spearheaded several key initiatives, including the re-zoning of Webster Avenue and the surrounding area and the re-development the Kingsbridge Armory.

His focus was to develop jobs and business opportunities for the people of the Bronx. His vision was to establish a World Peace Atrium that would inspire the youth to solve problems in non-violent ways. His heart remained with the youth of the Bronx.  He promoted converting the old Kingsbridge library to a computer and technology center where Bronx youth could compete in the 21st century landscape.  His next project was the development of the waterfront so that the community could gain access to this rich resource. He also served as a member of the Budget and Personnel Committee, a member of the Long Term Planning Committee.

His seeking spirit found a home in Nichiren Buddhism. In 1998, Ozzie became a member of the Soka Gakkai International, a lay Buddhist organization where he served as a Vice Region Leader in the Bronx.

Those who will cherish memories of him, include his wife Donna and his sons Malik, Hasan and Ishaaq; his adopted son Tony Jr.; his loving sister Norma and brother John Brown; his nephews Hoodenee, Sean, Scott and his niece Audra; and very dear friends, cousins, extended family, a host of young people whom he mentored along the way, and his community.  His famous “electric handshake,” his infectious smile, and his ability to make each and every person feel that they were the only person in his world, captured our hearts and will inspire us to be the best we could be.  He has given us a difficult task.  His legacy to us is to love well, see and develop the potential in others, and view obstacles as opportunities for growth – recognize, absorb and seize them.

Ozzie’s physical body left this earth peacefully on July 7, 2011.  He will be deeply missed and impossible to forget.

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