Any time Indianapolis lost a great African-American leader, Amos Brown would write a soothing tribute praising that person as a “giant” or a “lion” of the community.
Now those same words are being used to remember Brown, along with other terms such as “genius,” “icon,” “legend,” “soldier-servant” and “radio warrior.”
Brown, an award-winning journalist, popular radio show host and community activist, passed away Nov. 6 at age 64. According to a statement from his family, Brown had a fatal heart attack and collapsed while visiting his parents at their Chicago home.
“A city is identified and driven by the depth and passion of our leaders’ civic commitment. Amos was large among them,” said Chuck Williams, vice president and general manager of Radio One Indianapolis, where Brown worked as director of strategic research.
Brown was best known as host and managing editor of the influential “Afternoons with Amos” show on WTLC-AM (1310), which highlighted current issues and focused on finding solutions to urgent community problems.
For over two decades, Brown also wrote the highly anticipated “Just Tellin’ It” column in the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. In both roles, Brown was a tireless advocate for causes important to the African-American community as well as improvements for the city at large.
“Amos was a major voice for the disenfranchised in our city,” said Pastor David Greene, president of the Concerned Clergy. “He was always willing to point people in the right direction for a solution to their problem.”
Listeners who tuned in to Brown’s show knew they would hear helpful information. They also knew if they called in to the show with a concern, Brown might take up their cause and use his knowledge and research abilities to address it.
Brown’s contagious energy, sharp intellect and willingness to speak truth to power earned him admiration and respect.
However, it was his dedication to justice and making life in the Indianapolis area better for everyone that made him loved.
His death comes as a shock to tens of thousands of people in central Indiana who turned on their radios by 1 p.m. every day to hear “Afternoons With Amos.” For many of them, Brown’s death carries the same sting as the loss of a good friend.
President and general manager of the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, Shannon Williams, said she was one of the many people saddened to hear about the passing of Brown.
“Amos was not only an intellectual giant, he was a champion for equality and justice. Amos was both my friend and mentor,” said Williams. “I will miss our bond and numerous candid conversations. His voice, candor and keen ability to speak truth to power — despite possible backlash — will be greatly missed. Our community has lost a great mind and a great man.”
Brown’s broadcasting career began when the Chicago native and graduate of Northwestern University moved to Indianapolis in 1975 to accept a job as a sales representative for WTLC-FM.
Brown’s dedication to excellence led him to rise through the ranks at WTLC, as he became assistant station manager in 1977 and station manager in 1981. Around that time Brown began hosting the “Mornings With the Mayor” program, which began with then-Mayor William “Bill” Hudnut. That show provided the groundbreaking format for what would become the hallmark of Brown’s broadcasting career: programs where he would bring in city leaders, ask them tough questions about dealing with community challenges and give callers a chance to interact directly with those leaders.
In 1994, Brown joined the staff of Hoosier Radio and TV before returning to WTLC after its purchase by Maryland-based Radio One in 2001. Brown’s “Afternoons With Amos” show first aired in 2005.
When he wasn’t in the studio, conducting research or writing his column, Brown could be found out in the community he loved, attending meetings of civic organizations, serving as the emcee for community fundraisers and mentoring the next generation of journalists.
In a 2012 Recorder article Brown explained his goal, saying, “Overall, the job has always been being out in the community listening and talking to folks, trying to find out what the issues are so as a station we can do things in a positive way to deal with those issues.”
Brown was honored in 2007 when he became a member of Indiana’s Broadcasters Hall of Fame. He was also a two-time NAB Marconi Radio Awards finalist.
Immediately before his passing, Brown had taken some time off following extensive coverage of local municipal elections. He hosted the last debate between the candidates for Indianapolis mayor on his show.
With a view of the future, Amos wrote an open letter to the winner of that election, Mayor-elect Joe Hogsett, in his last column published on Nov. 6. He encouraged Hogsett to focus on issues “that strike at the very heart of the major problems of Indianapolis.”
Among those issues are affordable housing, realistic economic growth, increasing utilization of minority- and women-owned businesses and reversing declining enrollment in Indianapolis Public Schools.
In a statement, Hogsett called Brown a pioneer of journalism and a “voice for the voiceless.”
It goes without saying that Brown’s loss has left a void in the African-American community in particular and the city in general.
Those who knew and appreciated Brown recognize he can never be replaced, but that his legacy can live on, especially if citizens work together to keep each other informed on the issues and keep leaders accountable.
Some may say that just as Moses led the Israelites through a 40-year journey to the Promised Land, Brown led many Indianapolis residents to solutions during his 40 years in this city.
Just as Joshua carried the torch after Moses, those who admired Brown can continue his work, said Pastor Jeffrey Johnson of Eastern Star Church, one of many people who spoke during a celebration of life tribute to Brown aired on WTLC-AM earlier this week.
“Amos has done his part,” Johnson said. “He’s run his race, and now that Moses is gone, Joshua has got to step forward.”
Services for Amos Brown will be at Light of the World Christian Church, 4646 Michigan Road. Visitation will be Nov. 13 from noon–6 p.m. and Nov. 14 from 10–11 a.m., with the funeral at 11 a.m.
