Oscar Brown, Jr. (October 10, 1926 – May 29, 2005) was an actor, songwriter, playwright, poet, civil rights activist, and singer. He was born and raised in Chicago’s southside and was named after his father, who was a successful lawyer and real estate broker. At the age of fifteen, he made his singing debut on Secret City’s radio program. Brown attended Englewood High School, Chicago, and the University of Wisconsin. He did not earn a degree from Lincoln University (Pennsylvania). Brown served a time in the U.S. Army. He was officially segregated from 1948 to 1948. His views on “race relations” were considered “subversive.” He was even a member the Communist Party, USA in his youth. They ultimately deemed Oscar “too subversive”. It was also suspected that he was a Black Nationalist. Brown wrote musical plays that featured members of Chicago’s street gangs. They had a positive impact on the lives of hundreds of young people. [citation needed] He established The Oscar Brown, Jr. H.I.P. Legacy Foundation will continue his work. His first attempt to mount a major musical stage show was in New York City with “Kicks.”
