Paul W. Rea Ph.D.

As several classmates have attested, Hamilton Brown was indeed a multi-faceted person who gave much to the world. Never were his gifts more on display than as a member of Blue Hi-Y, where Hamilton played a key role in introducing club members to African-Americans. Not only did he arrange for speakers to attend meetings, but he created much-needed opportunities for us to visit places like the Franklin-Wright Settlement House on Detroit’s near East Side, where we learned more about the legendary Joe Louis, who began his boxing career in Detroit.

These visits weren’t all talk, either. Hamilton, Holmes, Bill Halbert and others played pickup basketball games that were lively but friendly. Afterwards one talented local player shook our hands while reminding us that “you guys can’t stuff.” (This was no doubt due to our lack of home court advantage). My guess would be that these contacts were real eye-openers for many of us; I know they definitely were for me.

Hamilton combined his interest in African-American culture with his passion for music, turning many of us on the great traditions of gospel and rhythm and blues. Well before Motown, Hamilton was attuned to not only early Ray Charles gospel songs but also to R&B classics like “Yes Indeed” and “Lonely Avenue.” Decades later, at  Ham’s house in Arlington, he treated us to “Amazing Grace,” a classic CD (now a DVD!) of Aretha (“Lady Soul”) Franklin returning to her gospel roots in Detroit. 

For all of this and more I want to say, “I thank you, Hamilton. You changed my life.”    —Paul W. Rea 

Posted on: Jun 26, 2019 at 9:35 AM

It’s so great to see Hamilton looking so well—and that he’s once again combining his passions for music and preaching. His life is itself a triumph of the spirit.