Formed in the Civil Rights Movement

Brian was born in Milwaukee in 1959 into a family deeply rooted in the civil rights movement. Inspired by his grandmothers—early social justice activists in Milwaukee's Black community—Brian began marching for equal rights at just five years old alongside Father James Groppi.

In 1968, his family relocated to Fort Atkinson, where Brian was one of the first Black students to attend school in over a century. Navigating prejudice at a young age didn't harden him; instead, it instilled a profound love for human diversity and a commitment to building bridges between communities.

A Career Dedicated to Community & Youth

For three decades, Brian has worked directly with at-risk youth, low-income families, and grassroots organizations:

• Youth Leadership: As Youth Resource Director on Madison’s east side, he brought together the Urban League of Greater Madison, MSCR, and the Goodman Community Center to expand opportunities for local youth.

• Ending Violence: Working with Dane County’s Domestic Abuse Intervention Services (DAIS), Brian mentored young men to redefine healthy masculinity and take an active stand against domestic and intimate partner violence.

• Empowering New Leaders: As a founding member and organizer with the Grassroots Leadership College, Brian mentored emerging leaders to create positive local change.

• Educational Equity: Today, as a Success Coach for the UW–Madison Odyssey Project, Brian helps non-traditional and underserved students overcome systemic barriers to reach their educational goals. He earned his Master’s Degree in Social Work in 2020.

Proven Governance: Service as City Alder

Driven by a desire to address systemic inequities, Brian was elected as District 12 Alder on the Madison Common Council in 2003 and re-elected in 2005, and elected again in District 6 in 2021. Over three terms, he served on 18 city committees and led as President of the Equal Opportunities Commission, ensuring that community voices directly shaped local policies.

Lived Experience, Genuine Empathy

Brian’s advocacy is forged through real-life struggles. Having survived cancer, experienced poverty, and raised five children on low-income wages, Brian knows firsthand what it takes to navigate the gaps in our social safety net. These experiences have only strengthened his resolve to advocate for affordable housing, fully funded public schools, living-wage jobs, and dignity for every Madisonian.