In a cameo appearance in the movie George of the Jungle, an elitist host of a San Francisco party warns then Mayor Willie L Brown Jr. (who plays himself) that he might need an umbrella due to the weather. The haughty Mayor one-ups the elitist sycophant by replying, “It never comes down on Willie Brown”.
The inference is, of course, that through sheer force of personality; Willie Brown can control the weather.
And such was the case in reality on February 11, 2014 when the weather cleared just as a celebration to name the western span of the Bay Bridge the Willie L. Brown Jr. Bridge got underway on Treasure Island. Even with an unsure forecast, Brown, made the decision not to put up a tent for weather protection noting that the date of the event landed on his late Mother’s birthday—and there was no she way would allow it to ruin her oldest son’s day.
It is an honor that is well deserved for the San Francisco legend and it was appropriate, despite the carping of some, that it was named while he was still living. The idea came from NAACP President Alice Huffman, a longtime Brown ally who understands the historical symbolism of naming the iconic bridge after an accomplished African-American politician.
And while the naming of the bridge sailed through the state legislature, it was not without controversy—as nothing has ever come easy for the former Speaker of the State Assembly and Mayor of San Francisco.
Born in Minneola, Texas, Brown who is clearly a genius with a near perfect photographic memory, was forced to live in the segregated south as a child. He lived in an oppressive state that would forever color his view of the world. And when he gained power in the state of California he worked to insure no future generation would have to overcome the same obstacles he encountered regardless of race, gender or sexual orientation. He unapologetically wielded power in his own style; which have made more than a few less- fictional elitists uncomfortable.
It’s safe to say that President Barack Obama would not be in office today except for the pioneering efforts of Willie L. Brown Jr. Civil rights, women’s rights, and gay rights would not have progressed as fast as it did in California and throughout the nation had Brown not served in the powerful capacities he chose in government.
While he was in power, Brown suffered all the slings and arrows that could be directed his way. However, he refused to simply survive; he took risks, he thrived on political power and still does. His army of supporters are among the most loyal in politics and it goes both ways.
Brown would never throw his staff under the bus, aka Chris Christie. Of course, Brown would never do anything illegal or untoward an innocent constituency. That is not to say he didn’t know how to deal with a political opponent, quite a number of people lost power, their jobs or simply faded from history by being outmaneuvered by Brown. Some remain bitter today.
In fact, former Judge Quentin Kopp let it be known he didn’t believe in naming things after people who were still alive. Ironically, the 380 Freeway was named in Kopp’s honor. One wag noted that “Kopp ought to insist the 380 sign be removed or, in the alternative, succumb to his own rigid standards for keeping it in place.”
But it is a silly policy that we should not honor people while they are still alive to enjoy the moment. There is no dispute that Brown has been controversial in his career—no politician of such stature, power or accomplishment could achieve that status without breaking a few eggs.
That said, more and more people are recognizing the accomplishments of Willie L. Brown Jr. There is no doubt he has improved the lives of Californians, having helped move the ball forward on every issue of consequence for the last 50 years. Even his detractors are beginning to understand that the brashness of Brown also came with a hardy dose of humor, an infectious laugh and a love of life unequaled in their lifetime.
Brown joked that one anti-Brown, tea-party advocate had contacted him to say that he didn’t mind the Bridge being named for him because that way he “could roll over Willie Brown everyday.”
Brown noted he was honored to provide his former constituent that opportunity. Sometimes it is difficult for the populace to recognize the great people of history in the times they are living. Brown’s legacy was secure before the Bridge naming, but it was terrific that we could celebrate with him. For he can now see that his accomplishments will be forever remembered in a city and a state he worked tirelessly for and that he so obviously loves.
Now, if he’ll just let it rain.
Rich Robinson, is a political strategist and communications specialist.
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