Christine Brown has dedicated more than 25 years of advocacy work with the Beech Companies, a community development corporation whose mission is to improve the quality of life for North Philadelphia residents. She serves as the director of Beech Community Services, a nonprofit within Beech Companies and program director of the Alston Beech Foundation. Brown began in 1992 as an administrative assistant and was promoted through the organization to her current role.
The North Philadelphia native is heavily engaged in the Cecil B. Moore community, where she developed a passion for helping to improve the lives of people. Her multifaceted position entails spearheading events and programs for community residents such as neighborhood cleanups, food drives and overseeing the Beech Scholarship Fund for high school seniors and college students. Brown is the producer of the annual Beech “Jazz on the Ave” Music Fest, a free outdoor festival featuring live entertainment, children’s activities, health and wellness screenings, vendors and food.
What is a defining moment in your career and life?
My defining career moment was when I celebrated 20 years working at Beech. When I realized that I spent almost a quarter of a century working in a community not far from where I grew up and went to school, it made me realize that giving back to my community was my life’s purpose and the work that I was doing was intentional, purposeful and rewarding.
A defining moment in my life was when I faced my reality of not being able to have a child. The thought of not being a mother was heart-breaking. For years, I struggled silently but eventually I learned to accept God’s plan for my life. But after taking the pain and disappointment, God blessed me with three wonderfully amazing godchildren Imani, Isaiah and Alani. and dozens of surrogate children who have played a major part in helping me feel like a mom.
What challenges have you faced as an African American woman in your field and how did you overcome them?
The unfortunate reality of working and living in a community where the majority of residents are people of color is being tolerant of people who don’t look like you and have never experienced discrimination because of their race or gender. Many have a belief that as a Black woman you are not smart enough, competent or knowledgeable and that your judgement is not good. I overcome this by knowing that I am good enough. I stay positive and true to myself and my beliefs. In the words of the amazing Michelle Obama, “I belong at the table.”
What woman inspires you and why?
I’m inspired the most by my mother, Diane Brown. Since young, I looked at my mother with admiration and I wanted to be just like her. Everything that my mother liked, I liked. Her favorite color is red, my favorite color is red; she liked Pepsi, I liked Pepsi, she works out religiously, I do not but I’m working on it. My mother is a strong, independent, woman of good moral character and she’s my shero!
What is your advice to the younger generation of women coming after you?
Be your authentic self; set realistic goals; seek a mentor that believes in you; give back to your community; don’t let people impose their fears on you; be loving and kind to yourself and be the best you.
What does being a part of the African Diaspora mean to you?
I recently discovered the origins of my DNA which revealed that my ancestors are the Cameroon, Congo, and Southern Bantu. So being a part of the African Diaspora means planning a pilgrimage to Africa in hopes of self-discovery and finding my roots. “If you don’t know where you come from, you don’t know where you’re going.” – Mayo Angelou
