In the heart of Arlington Heights, a 90-year-old pastor, Reverend Clyde H. Brooks, reflects on his decades-long journey fighting for civil rights. He has been, and continues to be, an active advocate for equality, battling against discrimination and segregation.
Reverend Brooks, despite his age, remains an active advocate for equality, working tirelessly to correct wrongs and bring about change. His motto, "So much to be done," resonates in every sphere of his life, encapsulating his relentless commitment to the cause.
His journey began in earnest in the 1950s when he started working with the Urban League and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). In 1964, he moved to Chicago and established the Illinois Commission on Urban Opportunity, an organization that aimed to rectify racial disparities in education, employment, housing, and public accommodation. Reverend Brooks also played a key role in creating the Black and White Men Together group in the 1980s, a coalition that worked towards bridging racial divides.
Brooks, who was born in 1931 in St. Louis, Missouri, experienced first-hand the impact of racial segregation and discrimination. These experiences fuelled his passion for fighting for civil rights and motivated him to establish the Illinois Commission on Diversity and Human Relations (ICDHR) in 1996. ICDHR plays a vital role in promoting diversity and addressing racial disparities in the state of Illinois.
In recognition of his extensive work in the field of civil rights, Reverend Brooks was honored with the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award from the city of Chicago in 2001. Despite his many accomplishments, Brooks insists there's still a long way to go and calls for continued action.
His legacy continues to inspire new generations. As a pastor, he has touched countless lives and continues to empower individuals to be agents of change. At 90, Reverend Brooks remains a beacon of hope, courage, and resilience, unwavering in his commitment to equality and civil rights.