Up To Date

Kansas City Icon Alvin Brooks Releases Autobiography

By Steve Kraske,

Published February 23, 2021 at 3:39 PM CST

Ways To Subscribe

Alvin Brooks, 88, has released his new autobiography, "Binding Us Together: A Civil Rights Activist Reflects on a Lifetime of Community and Public Service." — Alvin Brooks, 88, has released his autobiography, "Binding Us Together: A Civil Rights Activist Reflects on a Lifetime of Community and Public Service."

The 88 year-old activist says ". . . if I've done any good, my life has not been in vain."

The former mayor pro tem, councilman, detective and assistant city manager reveals what he has learned from decades in public service.

Maybe waiting until he was 88 to release his autobiography was the right time for Alvin Brooks. His is a long and distinguished life of public service to the Kansas City community at large — and the Black community in particular. His work has never stopped as is evident in his autobiography "Binding Us Together: A Civil Rights Activist Reflects on a Lifetime of Community and Public Service."

Alvin Brooks, Kansas City civil rights leader

Alvin Brooks will be in conversation with Mayor Quinton Lucas at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, February 23rd, 2021, online via the Kansas City Public Library's YouTube page.

Tags

Up To Date Podcast Government Alvin Brooks author Kansas City Council Kansas City Missouri (KCMO)Kansas City Police Department civil rights

Steve Kraske

When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.

See stories by Steve Kraske

Danie Alexander

As senior producer of Up To Date, I want our listeners to hear familiar and new voices that shine light on the issues and challenges facing the myriad communities KCUR serves, and to expose our audiences to the wonderful and the creative in the Kansas City area. Just as important to me is an obligation to mentor the next generation of producers to ensure that the important conversations continue. Reach me at alexanderdk@kcur.org.

See stories by Danie Alexander

Zach Wilson

As Up To Date’s senior producer, I construct daily conversations that give our listeners context to the issues of our time. I strive to provide a platform that holds those in power accountable, while also spotlighting the voices of Kansas City’s creatives and visionaries that may otherwise go unheard. Email me at zach@kcur.org.

See stories by Zach Wilson