David Thomas Brown (Sledge)
Photograph of David, obtained from his obituary.
Memorial by Chaya Crowder
David’s teacher through the Prison Teaching Initiative in New Jersey
Mr. Brown was a particularly remarkable and kind student. I met Mr. Brown when he was a student in my Introduction to Women and Gender Studies course, Fall 2019. In a room full of men, this class often ignited debate and pushback. Mr. Brown, who always sat to my left near the air conditioning unit, was always a smiling and encouraging face. After my first day teaching, he came to my desk and said "You were great, don't let these guys discourage you. Things are changing on the outside world and that is a good thing. If I can embrace change when it comes to gender roles after 40 years in here, they can too. Change is a good thing." I will never forget those words of encouragement.
At times, Mr. Brown and I had our intellectual disagreements, but he always met me with kindness and an eagerness to learn. On the last day of the semester, he gifted me and my fellow instructors a beautiful poem to express his gratitude for the semester. I am so grateful to have been able to share space and time with this wonderful and kind man who was a leader in the classroom.
From Mourning Our Losses:
David Thomas Brown (Sledge) departed this life on April 24, 2020, at the age of 64. The son of the late Irma Melvin Sledge, David was born on June 27, 1955, in Northampton County, North Carolina. David was one of at least eight people who have died from COVID-19 while incarcerated in East Jersey State Prison.
You may send flowers or a card of sympathy to David’s family here. We mourn the loss of his life, taken too soon.
This part of the memorial was written by MOL team member Nicole Mo based on reporting by his former teacher Chaya Crowder at The Grio and his obituary on the Cofield Mortuary website.
