Chivalry is not dead, and some men still believe that real men can be gentlemen. Meet Eddie Brown Jr.
A Callaway High School graduate, and recent graduate of Jackson State University, the 24-year-old now works in his alma mater's public relations department as a creative writer, while aggressively pursuing a master's of business administration. Outside the typical wife, two and a half kids, a dog and white picket fence dream, Brown's hopes extend to two major projects.
The first is a public relations firm that assists non-profit organizations, religious institutions and small business owners.
"Mississippi has a good small business climate. I like the idea of an establishment where I can bump into the owner of the company at the grocery store," he says as we enjoy lunch at Broadstreet.
The second project that is dear to his heart involves people. "The state of the African-American male is the state of the African-American race," he says. "I'd like to start an institution for African-American males. A grass-roots type of project serving men who want to do better and have the capability, kind of like the Talented 10th, by sowing into their minds and giving them resources to perfect themselves as individuals," Brown says.
Brown's ultimate aspiration is to teach young men to become gentlemen. "The whole tenet of being a gentleman is to make sure everyone is comfortable without strain or duress on him."
Segue to the three gentlemen he most admires: Dr. Maurice Bingham, a retired bishop at his church; Mr. Eulis Brown Sr., his grandfather; and Eddie Brown Sr., his father. These men care about their appearance, but aren't consumed with it, never speak harsh words but always deal with people in a responsible way, believe in hard work, and the list goes on. "My dad even picks up after himself, which I haven't quite learned, yet," he says, chuckling.
When he's not mentoring young men, being a motivational speaker, patronizing local businesses or teaching himself to play the organ, Brown visits foreign countries as the "automatic reader" his third grade teacher encouraged him to be. Italy is his favorite, and he expects to one day visit Venice.
As the formal interview came to a close, Brown shared with me a piece of wisdom he got from an older gentleman at his church—to be generally informed is to be well-educated.
Not only is Brown impressively informed and proactive in the pursuit of his dreams, he will keep you laughing until your belly aches. And true to form, leaving the restaurant, he opened the door for me.
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