In the world of strategic communication, advocacy, and community engagement, David W. Brown has carved out a legacy built on action, integrity, and a relentless commitment to uplifting others. Whether in the classroom, the boardroom, or the streets of Philadelphia, his presence is one of impact. He is not just an educator—he is a bridge builder, a truth seeker, and a fighter for justice.
Brown serves as Assistant Dean for Community and Communication at Temple University’s Klein College of Media and Communication. He also leads the Civic Coalition to Save Lives, a gun violence prevention initiative working to address one of Philadelphia’s most pressing crises. His story is one of purpose shaped by experience, faith, and an unshakable belief in the power of service.
Teaching with Purpose And Preparing Communicators for the Real World
Brown does not believe in theoretical learning alone. His classes at Temple University are not just about understanding communication strategies; they are about doing the work. “Public relations is like journalism. It really enables the person to demonstrate what can you do—not just what you think you can do.”
He makes sure students leave his class job-ready. His capstone courses push students beyond textbooks, matching them with nonprofits to develop and implement strategic communication plans—work that carries real consequences. “A lot of students want to know what they can do with their degrees, and their parents want to know what they can do with their degrees when they walk across that stage after graduation.”
For Brown, teaching is more than just imparting knowledge; it is about instilling a sense of responsibility in young professionals to use their voices ethically and powerfully.
Fighting Misinformation with Truth and Ethics
In an era where misinformation fuels division and public trust in media is eroding, Brown sees communicators as the front-line defenders of truth. His mission is to prepare students to fight back—not with louder voices, but with facts, integrity, and discipline. “What we hope to be able to do is counter disinformation by doing rigorous research and being compelling storytellers—factually based on what they do.”
Brown does not simply teach ethics; he helps students develop their own moral compass. “Your moral compass really guides you throughout the course of your career.”
This perspective is not just theoretical. Brown is also a pastor. While he does not preach in the classroom, his values shape his teaching. He understands that the most powerful communicators are those who stand on solid ethical ground.
A Relentless Advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Brown’s work in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) has made him a recognized leader in the fight for a more representative media industry. But he is under no illusions—progress is never linear. “Diversity, equity, and inclusion is not a destination—it is very much a journey.”
He has seen momentum build, only to be met with resistance. Today, as some corporations and institutions scale back DEI efforts, Brown remains steadfast. “The pendulum always starts to swing back, and I’ve always found that anticipating that swing back will happen allows us to push it forward again.”
For him, DEI is not just policy—it’s survival. Underrepresented voices must continue to push forward despite the setbacks. “We have to continue to fight the good fight to make sure every voice is heard.”
Beyond the Classroom And Leading the Fight Against Gun Violence
Brown’s work does not stop at Temple University. As Executive Director of the Civic Coalition to Save Lives, he is on the frontlines of Philadelphia’s gun violence epidemic. The urgency is personal. “Unless they feel safe, they’re not going to come here to work, to study, to live, to play.”
He understands that Temple’s campus does not exist in a vacuum. The university must work hand-in-hand with the surrounding community, the city, and law enforcement to create sustainable solutions. “Temple University cannot look at it as if our world stops at the campus borders—because it doesn’t.”
This philosophy drives his leadership. He refuses to accept that violence in Philadelphia is just a statistic. For him, it is a human crisis that demands action.
A Life Defined by Divine Purpose
Brown’s sense of urgency comes from a near-death experience. As a teenager, he was targeted in a drive-by shooting—but the gun jammed. That moment changed everything. “That incident scared me off the street and drove me into a much deeper realization that God had a better plan for my life.”
It was the turning point that led him to writing, advocacy, and public service. His entire career has been a response to that second chance. He works with urgency because he knows how quickly life can be taken away. “Service is the rent we pay to live on this planet.”
For Brown, service is not optional—it is a debt owed. Every class he teaches, every student he mentors, and every initiative he leads is part of that repayment.
His Message to the Next Generation is Staying the Course
Brown’s message to young professionals and future leaders is clear, stay grounded, stay ethical, and do not waver in the face of opposition. “It is always the right time to do the right thing.”
He knows that speaking the truth in today’s climate is risky. Some will face backlash. Some will be silenced. But to walk away from truth is to surrender to misinformation. “Sometimes doing the right thing is not always popular.”
Despite the challenges, Brown believes the fight is always worth it. He has lived through setbacks, endured hardships, and pushed against resistance—and he is still here, still fighting.
Balancing the Fight with Family and Self-Care
With so much on his plate—educator, advocate, pastor, community leader—how does Brown recharge? His answer is simple: family. “For me, my self-care lies in spending time with my family. I’m also the proud grandfather of a new grandson. Spending time with him sharpens my focus and reminds me why I do the work that I do.”
He understands that leadership is not just about pushing forward—it’s about making sure the next generation is ready to take the baton.
A Life of Impact, A Legacy of Service
David W. Brown’s life is a testament to the power of purpose. From the streets of Philadelphia to the halls of Temple University, from corporate boardrooms to community gatherings, his work is a reminder that true leadership is not about titles—it is about action.
His journey, shaped by divine intervention and an unshakable sense of duty, is far from over. “Do all you can, to as many as you can, for as long as you can.”
And he intends to do just that.
This article is made possible with the support from the following organizations:
Dr. Eric John Nzeribe is the Publisher of FunTimes Magazine and has a demonstrated history of working in the publishing industry since 1992. His interests include using data to understand and solve social issues, narrative stories, digital marketing, community engagement, and online/print journalism features. Dr. Nzeribe is a social media and communication professional with certificates in Digital Media for Social Impact from the University of Pennsylvania, Digital Strategies for Business: Leading the Next-Generation Enterprise from Columbia University, and a Master of Science (MS) in Publication Management from Drexel University and a Doctorate in Business Administration from Temple University.
