Herbert Brown, a pioneering African American travel agent and business owner recalled as a “godfather” of local politics, died of complications from old age Nov. 4 at his Ashburton home. He was 101.
Rep. Kweisi Mfume said, “For more than 100 years Herb lived an exceptional life. He became one of the first Black entrepreneurs in Maryland, was a leader in the legendary Vanguard political organization and became a godfather of Baltimore politics.
“Herb was classy. His most effective work was behind the scenes, developing strategies for business success and political accomplishments that are still evident today. He was a great coach and mentor to so many of us who admired his example and the way he carried himself with distinction,” Mfume said.
“Herb was a wonderful behind-the-scenes actor,” former Baltimore Mayor Kurt L. Schmoke said. “He was quiet and truly helped people.”
Born in Winnsboro, South Carolina, he was the son of Lawrence and Willie Mae Brown. He came to Baltimore as an infant, lived in South Baltimore and attended Baltimore City schools.
He served in the Army during World War II and was stationed in Europe.
Brown went into sales after leaving the military. He sold Ballantine’s beer to local taverns and package-goods stores and became a representative for the Jenkins jewelry firm. He sold academic class rings to students throughout Baltimore and visited numerous high schools and colleges.
“My grandfather helped the community to grow financially,” his granddaughter Erika Bessick said. “He was well liked. He was warm and caring.”
Brown opened the Mondawmin Travel Agency, a business considered to be the first Black-owned travel agency in Baltimore.
“Herb Brown walked softly and never bragged about himself,” Daniel Henson, the former city housing commissioner, said. “He was the first travel agent I knew and he was the go-to guy. He had the touch. He knew a little bit about everything. He made sure he got you there in style and that you’d be taken care of when you arrived.
“Herb was a mentor to a whole generation of guys,” Henson said. “My father taught me to be a man, but Herb taught me how to hang out and not look foolish in a bar or nightclub. He never preached but he’d say, ‘Here’s how you talk to people in a bar, how to enjoy yourself without being a problem.’”
Brown was a founder of the Vanguard political club and backed the candidacy of state Sen. Verda Welcome.
“I first met Herb when I was a retail manager and business owner in Mondawmin. Although Herb’s business was technically in Metro Plaza, Herb was one of the first persons who greeted me and welcomed me to their business community,” former Baltimore City Councilman Carl Stokes said. “He not only gave me sound business advice but general life advice. Later when I decided to run for public office, Herb was there to advise on the intricacies of campaigning and follow-through.”
Brown served on the Baltimore City Liquor Board, the Board of Zoning Appeals, the Maryland Tourism Task Force, the U.S. International Tourism Task Force and the Council for Equal Business Opportunity.
Survivors include his son, Kevin Brown, of Baltimore; and three granddaughters, Erika Bessick, Kasey Jones and Kelli Brown, all of Baltimore. His wife of 62 years, Lenora Deanna Brown, who worked in human resources for the Maryland Department of Transportation, died in 2023.
A funeral will be held at noon Saturday, Nov. 22, at Douglas Memorial Community Church, 1325 Madison Ave.
Have a news tip? Contact Jacques Kelly at jkelly@baltsun.com.
