Quotes Collected By Linda Brown

“My father died at 50 years old in a motorcycle accident. Everyone says I have a lot of his personality traits. I remember two things about him. One, you have to be able to walk with kings but keep a common touch. Two, he taught me a lot about the African Diaspora. He had relatives from Jamaica, and he saw that the Black world was much bigger than the United States. I have two sons and have passed on the same things to them, including integrity and the importance of your reputation – to follow through on what you say you’re going to do.”
Lawrence H. Borom on Clarence Russell
Director, Public and Community Relations
Challenges, Choices and Images Charter School

“I have always had a ‘grown up’ relationship with my father even when I was small. I have always been very independent and stated my mind, and he has encouraged me to do that and to pursue my goals and dreams. He is one of my biggest supporters and watches me on Channel 8 every Monday night.”
Elbra Wedgeworth on Walter J. Wedgeworth Sr.
Councilwoman – District 8

“I was influenced by his refusal to compromise his own principles and beliefs, not being timid, scared or afraid to speak up for what’s right. He made sure future generations had access to opportunities the country and the state had to offer them.”
Senator Peter C. Groff on Regis Groff
Senate President Pro Tem

“My father was my hero and role model. He often told me, ‘Life is too short not to enjoy every moment that you can. Therefore, take advantage of every day to enjoy all that you can.’ I have passed this on to my kids who have grown up to be better than any parent could hope for. My father passed away in 1982 from cancer. He was a smoker most of his life. He knew he was dying for two years before he shared the news with me. He did not want me to change my life because of his health prognosis.“
Landri Taylor on James LaVelle Taylor
Vice President – Community Affairs
Forest City Stapleton, Inc.

“My father’s best advice was, ‘Don’t be afraid to stand your ground and do not get angry or emotional.’”
Tamara Banks on Dr. Herman Stewart
Neighborhood Liaison, City and County of Denver

“I left home at 19 years old and joined the military. I was instilled with strong values by my dad. I always remember him saying ‘Don’t lie and don’t steal because those are character traits and they reflect who you are, and you can’t replace your integrity.’ I had nine brothers and sisters and he was there for us all the time. I saw him work 12 to15 hour days. He lived what he believed. He wasn’t the warmest man, but he was honest.
“Then there was my surrogate father from the military, Homer ‘Hank’ Young. He passed away two years ago. What I got from him was that you can be a man without being a macho man. He taught me that family is important, and you must provide for them now and in the future. He was able to fill in – my dad didn’t have more than a 4th grade education. Hank exposed me to more of the world. He got me interested in community activism and the importance of giving more than you take. It’s because of him that I am the man I am today.
“To my two boys, I’ve taught the importance of finding a good companion and to treat her as a helpmate and equal and as one you have responsibility for, to love, honor and respect her…to find a friend before you find a wife.”
Bennie Milliner Jr. on Bennie Milliner Sr. and Homer “Hank” Young
Community Liaison
Veterans/Military Issues

“My father never let me make excuses. If I complained because I didn’t get 100 percent … I’d get real discouraged and make excuses for myself. He’d tell me ‘No – you can do whatever you decide you want to do. Whenever I wanted to quit, he’d tell me, ‘You can quit son, but here are the consequences...’ He is really powerful in giving me the proper perspective and mindset to take on challenges and take them on with grace. He believes in setting the bar high for yourself.”
Cameron Winchester on Jack Winchester
The Winchester Group

“My daddy was the love of my life. He was my kids’ favorite grandpa. I was the only girl in my family and he didn’t mind combing my hair. He made special time for me. We would talk about men and how to carry myself as a young lady. He told me how to protect myself. His favorite thing to say to me was, ‘God will always love you and no one can take that away from you.’ He was always boosting my self esteem by telling me I was creative and beautiful. I always felt like a princess no matter where I was. That has carried with me through today.”
Pastor Sheila A. Johnson on Willie James Baker Sr.
Saint Stephens Missions Church