Tributes Pour in For ‘True Legend’ Amos Brown
Amos Brown was inducted into the Indiana Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2007.
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowFamily, friends and colleagues are remembering legendary broadcaster and community leader Amos Brown, who passed away Friday. UNCF Chief Executive Officer says Brown was a "great man with a larger-than-life spirit" who was a force for positive change. Brown was inducted into the Indiana Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2007 and has been a media mainstay in central Indiana for 40 years.
The popular "Afternoons with Amos" has run on Radio One since 2004.
Brown apparently collapsed Friday while visiting family in Chicago. Arrangements are pending.
Thoughts from political, business and community leaders continue to pour in.
Statement From UNCF Chief Executive Officer Michael Lomax:
"We at UNCF are deeply saddened to hear of the sudden loss of a long-time friend, award-winning journalist, and life-long civic leader in the Indianapolis community and beyond. Amos Brown had supported UNCF since the 1970s with our live local Telethon, in addition to emceeing the UNCF Indianapolis Masked Ball, Bowl-A-Thon, and kick-offs for various campaigns over the past decade. He also promoted UNCF’s work on his radio show, ‘Afternoons With Amos,’ year-round, and supported UNCF in his weekly column in The Indianapolis Recorder. Just three weeks ago, he was excited to share on his show the good news of a major gift we’d received, and in just a few short weeks from now, he was set to co-emcee our UNCF Indianapolis Masked Ball. He was a great man with a larger-than-life spirit who used his media platform to create positive social change. Our thoughts are with Amos’ family and friends, his family at Radio One, and the thousands he touched each day with his voice."
Statement From Governor Mike Pence:
"With the passing of Amos Brown, Indiana broadcasting lost a legend and Indianapolis lost a champion. Like so many of his admirers, Karen and I were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of this gifted Hoosier broadcaster and passionate advocate for his community.
"For more than 40 years, Amos dedicated his life’s work to amplifying the voice of the Indianapolis community. From his studio and in countless civic causes, Amos Brown worked each and every day to improve the lives of his listeners and better our capitol city.
"While our politics often differed, Amos Brown never let that stand in the way of friendship and I will miss him very much. His example of civility and respect was a testimony to the character and heart of this good man.
"He leaves behind a lasting legacy and impact on this city and state that will never be forgotten. Karen and I extend our deepest condolences and prayers for comfort to Amos’ family, friends, and listeners at this difficult time."
Statement From Indiana Black Expo President Tanya Bell:
"The board, staff and members of Indiana Black Expo are truly saddened by the passing of Amos Brown, a life-time champion of justice and equality for the African-American community and the underserved. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, our Radio One family and our entire community.
"His passion and voice will be sorely missed. Amos defined his life through an unwavering and unparalleled commitment to public service, advocacy and leadership. IBE is committed to honoring his legacy in our ongoing work."
Statement From U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly:
"Amos was a once-in-a-generation community leader and a tireless advocate for Hoosiers and all those who didn’t have a voice. Everyone in Indiana knew Amos and had so much respect for his work in the community. There will be others who will take up his causes and speak to the same issues, but there will never be another Amos. I send my sympathies and prayers to his family. We will all miss him."
Statement From Indianapolis-Marion County City-County Council President Maggie Lewis:
"Today, Indianapolis has lost a true legend and friend. Amos Brown dedicated his life advocating for issues affecting African Americans. His passion for journalism and commitment to our community created the perfect recipe for sharing information that impacted our quality of life. We will miss our daily doses of ‘Afternoons with Amos’ and his weekly ‘Telling it Like It Is’ column in The Indianapolis Recorder. While his voice may be silent, the legacy he created and the memories we shared, will live forever in our hearts and minds."
Statement From Indiana Superintendent of Schools Glenda Ritz:
"I was shocked and saddened to learn of Amos’ passing this afternoon. He, his family, and his friends are in my thoughts and prayers.
"I was lucky enough to appear on his show numerous times. Regardless of the subject, I always enjoyed his interviews. I was always struck that every time I went on his show, I would leave with the name and phone number of one of his listeners that needed help in some manner or another. Amos always made it a point to ensure that his listeners got the help they needed from their elected leaders and his presence will be greatly missed.
"Amos and I also served together on Indiana’s Education Roundtable for a time. There is no doubt that he was an excellent voice and advocate for his community. Indiana needs more leaders like Amos."
Statement From United Way of Central Indiana Chief Executive Officer Ann Murtlow:
"A champion for those living in poverty, Amos Brown approached human services issues with a mind toward facts and figures and a heart toward equality and justice. His passing leaves a void that will be impossible to fill in our community."
Statement From Marion County Democratic Party Chairman Joel Miller
"I am so sad to hear of the passing of my friend, Amos Brown. For so many years he has been the voice and conscience of Indianapolis. As the Chairman of the Marion County Democratic Party and as a friend who relied on my friend Amos for so much, tonight I remember and grieve. Pray for Amos’ family. Remember and celebrate our friend. Godspeed Amos. See ya’ Doc."
Statement From The Mind Trust Chief Executive Officer David Harris:
"In so many ways, Amos Brown was the conscience of the Indianapolis community. Whenever there was a wrong, he tried to right it. Whenever there was injustice, he shone a light on it. And whenever someone in this city needed help, Amos was there to lead the way.
"In this community, he forever will be remembered as an unwavering crusader and champion for the lost, the last and the least. There will never be another Amos, and we can’t imagine going to work on Monday without him on the air."