PERSON: Michael Brown Sr.
Employer
Chosen for Change Foundation
Position
Co-Founder and President
Biography
Born in 1977 in the heart of St. Louis, Michael Brown Sr. Grew up in the neighborhoods of Pine Lawn and the Normandy district. Michael’s early life was a mix of tough lessons and unique experiences. His dad, a truck driver and military veteran, passed away in 2004 from complications related to Agent Orange. His mom, who’s originally from Aberdeen, Mississippi, moved to St. Louis in the late 60s and worked hard for a local newscaster named Jay Randolph Sr. And, even at 83, refuses to retire.
Michael’s childhood was steeped in faith. His mom often hosted church services in their home, laying the foundation for Michael’s values. Despite the challenges and distractions of his youth, he was surrounded by a strong sense of community and family. Michael has an older sister, who he jokingly calls his “short big sister,” and between his three nieces, his own eight kids and two grandkids, his house is never quiet.
The tragic death of his son, Michael Brown Jr., in 2014 was the moment that changed everything for Michael Sr. He’d been through a lot himself, including being shot, so he knew all too well the pain his son must have felt. This loss pushed him to take action, founding the Michael Brown Sr. Chosen for Change Foundation to support families dealing with similar tragedies.
Michael’s connection with Metropolitan Congregations United (MCU) began in 2014, thanks to DeMarco K. Davidson, who helped manage the funds raised after his son’s death. DeMarco became a mentor, and Michael got involved with MCU, attending retreats and training sessions that helped him develop his skills as a community organizer.
In 2018, after talking with DeMarco and Dietra Wise Baker, MCU’s Lead Break the Pipeline Organizer, Michael started to see how his passion for helping youth could align with MCU’s mission. His focus on supporting youth and families, especially those caught up in the juvenile justice system, made him a perfect fit for MCU’s Break the Pipeline work.
>> Metropolitan Congregations United
Michael’s childhood was steeped in faith. His mom often hosted church services in their home, laying the foundation for Michael’s values. Despite the challenges and distractions of his youth, he was surrounded by a strong sense of community and family. Michael has an older sister, who he jokingly calls his “short big sister,” and between his three nieces, his own eight kids and two grandkids, his house is never quiet.
The tragic death of his son, Michael Brown Jr., in 2014 was the moment that changed everything for Michael Sr. He’d been through a lot himself, including being shot, so he knew all too well the pain his son must have felt. This loss pushed him to take action, founding the Michael Brown Sr. Chosen for Change Foundation to support families dealing with similar tragedies.
Michael’s connection with Metropolitan Congregations United (MCU) began in 2014, thanks to DeMarco K. Davidson, who helped manage the funds raised after his son’s death. DeMarco became a mentor, and Michael got involved with MCU, attending retreats and training sessions that helped him develop his skills as a community organizer.
In 2018, after talking with DeMarco and Dietra Wise Baker, MCU’s Lead Break the Pipeline Organizer, Michael started to see how his passion for helping youth could align with MCU’s mission. His focus on supporting youth and families, especially those caught up in the juvenile justice system, made him a perfect fit for MCU’s Break the Pipeline work.
>> Metropolitan Congregations United
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