We’re thrilled to introduce you to our latest interviewee, Mr.

James L. Brown, as part of our work to collect oral histories. Born in 1946, the second oldest of eight children, Mr. Brown shared insights into his upbringing within Lynwood Park and how it shaped the rest of his life. He grew up in poverty with parents James R. Brown, a truck driver for a construction company, and Nancy Church-Brown, a domestic worker. Mr. Brown’s family moved into a duplex in Lynwood Park in 1953; many neighbors lived in apartments. He attended the Lynwood Park School from 1953 to 1964, graduating with honors. Following his high school graduation, he immediately joined the workforce as a janitor at a local grocery store in Chamblee. From there, he worked his way up, becoming a head clerk, and participated in a management training program. In 1967, he took on a second job at the Federal Reserve Bank as a night shift custodian. The next year, he was chosen to train in computer operations and data processing. By 1969, he was promoted to computer room supervisor. He then obtained his Bachelor of Business Administration in 1974 at Georgia State University. In 1976, he became the first African American to be promoted to the Assistant Vice President of the Federal Reserve System. At the age of 58, Mr. Brown retired from the Federal Reserve System to pursue a career in the ministry. He would work in this field for 15 years as a church pastor and the Director of Retirement Planning for the National Church of God until 2020. Today, he is happily retired, spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. If you or someone you know is interested in sharing their story about Lynwood Park or other places in DeKalb, we’d be thrilled to hear from you. Reach out to us!