Andre Brown

Andre Brown, Champion of a “Bigger We,” Dies at 42

Andre Brown, a pioneer in community inclusion, died early in the morning of January 15 in the home he shared with his mom, David, Jenifer, Milton, and Jocelyn. Marcie Brost, his mom, announced his death.

At birth, Andre was assigned a long list of limiting labels referencing medical and developmental conditions and yielding a prognosis of inevitable dependency on congregate and segregated supervision. Marcie and Andre’ went another direction as a family and he grew into an engaged and active adult as her son. Together, they broke many barriers to living an ordinary life full of ambitious expectations.

In his pre-school days, with the support of Dane County Human Services, Andre became one of the first children with significant disabilities to enroll and successfully participate in the Winnebago Street Child Care Center and later in the Red Caboose Child Care Center.  Finding that the public school system at that time was limited in its capacity to tailor its education to all its learners’ interests and learning styles, Andre followed preschool with a period of homeschooling while he searched for the best fit for his learning style. That turned out to be Woodland Montessori. The hands-on educational approach of the Montessori model fit well with Andre’s curiosity and his multi-sensorial approach to learning.  At age 13 he enrolled in public school and implemented his education plan, which supported his first work experience, a job at Avol’s bookstore. This led to a life-time friendship with Avol’s owners.

“History shows that people who experience disability are vulnerable to isolation, wasted capacities, and excessive external control.  Too often, individuals are forced to live in a box that limits their opportunities for valued experiences.

In contrast, healthy communities assist individuals to get or keep out of the box and to build strong connections and energize creativity. This action opens pathways for people’s capacities and gifts to flow into community life and grasp what they hold dear.”

John O’Brien, Life-long friend

Andre participated in additional work experience opportunities at the Jenifer Street Market and Magic Mill natural grocer, as well as volunteering in political campaigns for Jesse Jackson, Ed Garvey, Kathleen Falk, and Rick Phelps. Starting as a high school work experience and continuing as paid positions after graduation, Andre worked in the Dane County District Attorney’s Office and began a 21-year tenure providing administrative services to the non-profit housing organization; Movin’ Out, Inc. He was a source of information, history, and perspective to his co-workers at both jobs. With his desk stationed at the Movin’ Out office entrance, Andre was the first person to greet Movin’ Out visitors.

Andre’s life was more than his work, although he did value the paychecks that enabled him to join his family and his friends to engage in a long list of stimulating and rigorous activities.  A partial list of Andre’s interests includes camping in national and state parks and enjoying his stays at the cabin offered every summer by his friends Terri and Roy. At his favorite music venue, Big Top Chautauqua in Bayfield, he enjoyed meeting performers such as Taj Mahal back stage and making music with Big Top regulars. He particularly enjoyed the baritone singing voice of his friend Jack and playing along with drums, keyboard, and his own distinctive voice. Andre enjoyed listening to a wide range of music, from jazz to opera to Bruce Springsteen to Tuvan throat singing. He was an avid Packer, Badger, Brewer and Mallard fan with a wardrobe to prove it.  He attended Badger games with Don and Joanie. He savored the Indian Buffet that he shared with his friend and housemate Milton, and he enjoyed hosting meals where friends prepared a world-wide range of cuisines.

“One thing that our family remembers fondly is Andre’s boisterous belly laugh and his lovely humming and singing.”

Lisa, Andre’s long-time friend and care provider

Andre was at home in the water.  He was a graceful, weightless swimmer. He loved the hot tub and, even more, the deep end of the pool. His deep-end swimming was like under-water dancing. He could hold his breath under water for remarkable periods of time.  Once, he stirred up a ruckus by driving his power wheelchair into the swimming pool while dressed in snow boots, puffy Packers coat, and a Packers cap. He was saved by two other swimmers who recognized Andre as a regular swimmer at the pool. They did not hesitate to rush to his aid, didn’t pause for someone else to intervene. They unbuckled all the buckles, and boosted him to the surface.

His sense of adventure and curiosity led him to dog sledding, ice skating, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, meals prepared in the Big Green Egg, hosting after-service meals for his housemates and their friends from the Jehovah’s Witness, and accompanying a friend to gay pride marches and services at the First Unitarian Society.  Andre enjoyed being a host and opening his home to all. He stuck by his friends and allies, staying connected for decades. For 39 years he looked forward to spending time weekly with his friend, Paula.   He welcomed so many into his home: extended family, friends and care providers such as Sarah C, Lisa and Sarah B.

“We both think of the joy that Andre shared with all around him. He had such a hard time containing his singing, and when he would burst out in song after a good meal, everyone felt more satisfied. Even if it was a quiet event, the little sounds that escaped his control just infected those around him with his good mood. He was a good companion. We will miss him holding our hands.

We also loved Andre’s adventurous spirit. We picture him on the boat right under the Niagara Falls, turning his face to catch the spray or enjoying a swift ride through the falling snow on a dogsled. Andre was intrepid and not daunted by any activity, like crawling up the stairs at the waterpark to ride the raft down. If we tipped the canoe over, he just swam a little and then pulled himself back in.”

Jenifer and Milton

Housemates and care providers

Andre’s charm and curiosity were responsible for much of his experience and his memorable role in school, his workplaces, his neighborhood, his many treks and many adventures. Meanwhile, Andre needed to duck and weave and persevere to achieve inclusion and to model innovation, as well as resist the systemic threats of segregation and marginalization as a Black man with disabilities. His Circle of Support stood by him and sat with him, and with Marcie, over the long haul, always with an eye toward the Bigger We.

Andre’s family and friends are grateful for the consistent and competent support given by these people and agencies: Jodi, Agrace Hospice, William Schwab, MD, Greg Landry, MD, Options in Community Living, Community Living Alliance, Transit Solutions, and Community Work Services.  They contributed quality to Andre’s life and helped him achieve a comfortable death.

Andre died on Martin Luther King’s birthday. In honor of Andre and Dr. King, consider this: Andre Brown played a role in creating the communities that support and lift us up from hopelessness. His voice and his presence mattered.  In memory of Andre, please continue to show up in whatever way you can for those you love, for those who rely on your support, for those whom you rely on, and for the seen and the unseen.

Cress Funeral and Cremation Services is assisting Andre’s family. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date to be announced.  In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund to Andre’ has been established which will support the steadfast agencies who supported Andre’s full life.  Contributions may be sent to:

Family of Andre’ Brown Memorial

% Baker Schultz

351 Prairie Heights Drive

Verona, Wisconsin 53593

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny.  Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Letter from Birmingham Jail, April 16, 1963