By Sylvester “Nunnie” Robinson
Too often in today’s society, it’s the negative sensationalized stories that get all the notoriety, limiting student/athlete choices when seeking role models to emulate as they navigate the travails, trials, and challenges that will certainly confront them in life as they know it. Having someone to pattern their lives after is paramount and tantamount to success.
One such individual is Miami native James “ Buddy” Brown, a scholar/athlete in the 80s who made education a key component in shaping the lives of young people under his tutelage and sphere of influence.
Buddy attended South Broward High School from 1980-84, played varsity football, starring in all phases of the game for 3 years as a slot receiver, defensive back, and special teams performer as a punt and kick returner. His performances earned him the moniker, Downtown Buddy Brown. A versatile athlete, he also played varsity basketball and was a 2-year starter as a shooting guard who averaged 15.3 points per game. His head coach, Fred Dunlap, said of Buddy, “pound for pound, he was toughest player I’ve ever coached.” What makes Buddy a perfect role model for our youth is that he balanced his athletic accomplishments with an academic focus that led to his membership in the National Honor Society at South Broward. Too often our young athletes only see one side of the coin, forgetting or never being exposed to the importance of academic achievement and excellence. Buddy learned that lesson, graduating in the top 10% of class and earning an athletic scholarship to Colgate University in Hamilton, New York, garnering recognition as an all-conference wide receiver. Buddy graduated in 1988 with B.S. in Political Science and a minor in economics .
His involvement in and concern for the community is manifested in several ways: since 1980 he has been a member of New Hope Missionary New Jerusalem Baptist Church
1981 – Statistician for Hollywood PAL
1987 – Intern with Liberia Economic Association
1992-95 – Coach Hollywood Eagles PAT Optimist
Professionally, he has taught social studies from 1996-2010, served as South Broward’s social studies department chair from 2013-19 and presently serves as the school’s Behavior Specialist.
As a coach he served as assistant varsity football coach (1994-2003), basketball varsity assistant and assistant track coach, winning district championship in all 3 sports.
In 2009 as the junior varsity head coach, he led the team to an undefeated 7-0 record.
When young student/athletes or students generally see the Brown family, the unity and sense of purpose, Buddy’s image as a role model is cemented.
He and wife Marian are the proud parents of Tramaya , a FAMU grad, Jamar, a Colgate alum, and Jarius, who graduated from Dartmouth. Education for the family was obviously a priority.
James “Buddy” Brown is also a patriot, having served our country as a U. S. Army Legal Specialist at Fort Knox, in Stuggart, Germany and at Ft. Leavenworth, including time in the Gulf War and the dismantling of the Berlin Wall in same capacity from 1992-1997.
The example Buddy Brown has set as a husband, a father, a Christian, a teacher and coach for our youth, and all Americans, is worthy of emulation and respect. It is our hope that more young people will use your life as an example of what is possible despite the myriad obstacles that life will throw your way.
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