Longtime longshoreman union chief lives on in members' memories
Norfolk, Va. - It was business as usual at the Norfolk Longshoremans Hall on Monday. Men lined up for work, and getting called means a good day's pay.
Many would argue that for the past 53 years that work was made possible in large part by Edward L. Brown.
Old photos tell the story of a tough guy, who fought hard for good benefits and good working conditions for his members who load and unload cargo from ships.
Officers in the International Longshoreman's Association, like Tommy Little, describe Brown's legacy in three powerful words.
"His leadership, his wisdom, and knowledge - it will be sorely missed."
Others would tell you Ed Brown helped the entire port succeed by building a positive relationship with port management and by eliminating worker strikes.
Over the years he met with presidents and governors but according to those who knew him best his best moments were when he shared his counsel and wisdom.
"When I went into his office and told him about a problem that I had he met me with open arms and told me my problems were small and we could take care of it and we did just that," says Michael Spencer, President of the local International Longshoreman's Association.
That's mostly what is repeated by his friends and union colleagues. They say Ed Brown was a man who meant what he said, and said what he meant.
"He's going to be a hard act to follow. He's going to be a tough guy to replace," says Jerry McMannen of ILA local 1784.
Norfolk, Va. - It was business as usual at the Norfolk Longshoremans Hall on Monday. Men lined up for work, and getting called means a good day's pay.
Many would argue that for the past 53 years that work was made possible in large part by Edward L. Brown.
Old photos tell the story of a tough guy, who fought hard for good benefits and good working conditions for his members who load and unload cargo from ships.
Officers in the International Longshoreman's Association, like Tommy Little, describe Brown's legacy in three powerful words.
"His leadership, his wisdom, and knowledge - it will be sorely missed."
Others would tell you Ed Brown helped the entire port succeed by building a positive relationship with port management and by eliminating worker strikes.
Over the years he met with presidents and governors but according to those who knew him best his best moments were when he shared his counsel and wisdom.
"When I went into his office and told him about a problem that I had he met me with open arms and told me my problems were small and we could take care of it and we did just that," says Michael Spencer, President of the local International Longshoreman's Association.
That's mostly what is repeated by his friends and union colleagues. They say Ed Brown was a man who meant what he said, and said what he meant.
"He's going to be a hard act to follow. He's going to be a tough guy to replace," says Jerry McMannen of ILA local 1784.
