Today, we honor the life and legacy of Alton C. Brown, the debonair, fashion conscious, always the dapper well-dressed man who, as we now know, lived with intention and purpose.
Just a year ago, Alton shared a reflection on his Facebook page—a testament to how he approached life: full of intention, living each moment as though it were his last. For many of us, his passing came as a shock, as we had come to know him as someone who lived life openly, passionately, and unapologetically.
I first met Alton in passing, but it was during an intimate moment on a boat ride with KCOBA, Alpha Alumnae, St. George’s, and Queens that I truly saw his spirit. The boat was delayed for two hours, and the air was heavy with heat and impatience. Alton, with his signature energy, saw an opportunity and shared his homemade fruit juice, instantly lifting our spirits and lowering the temperature. That small act of generosity and thoughtfulness perfectly encapsulated Alton’s ability to bring light into any situation.
Alton was not just a member of the KCOBA community—he was a man who made an impact wherever he went. He had a deep and abiding friendship with the late Alpha Alumna, Patsy Stephenson, and they shared many memorable moments as dance partners. He was always present at Alpha events, and personally involved in causes close to his heart, he even attended Rockland Fashion Week, of which I am the Executive Producer.
His commitment to his family, especially to his daughter Sydney, was unwavering. I remember his posts on Facebook, where he asked for input on which dress his daughter should wear, showing the love and care he had for her every day.
Alton’s travels—whether to the museums and galleries of Montreal, the restaurants of New York, to his deep political views—were a testament to his curious and engaged mind. He was a man who embraced life in all its complexity, with a deep sense of responsibility toward his community and his loved ones.
But above all, Alton’s greatest role was as a father.
To his daughter, Sydney, I want to share these words: Today may not feel like a celebration, and you may have questions and emotions that linger. But know this—your father’s legacy is not just in the places he took you, the experiences you shared, or the travels you enjoyed together. His legacy is in the love he showed you, the pride he had for you, and the lessons he imparted in the quiet moments of homework, in the shared laughter, and in the shared dreams for your future.
As you grow and mature, you will carry with you the knowledge that your father loved you with every ounce of his being and these experiences which help to mold the character and belief system you will one day embrace.
To his family, friends, and the entire KCOBA community: we have lost a great one. But as we know, the men of KCOBA will always honor their own. As they say, “FORTIS FOREVER.”
Today, we remember Alton C. Brown—not with sadness, but with gratitude for the richness he brought into our lives. May his spirit continue to inspire us to live fully, love deeply, and embrace every moment with intention.
- Hope Wade, President Alpha AA NY triState