Talk about “I didn’t see this coming.” That’s how I feel about learning of the passing of longtime community activist, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Greg Brinkley making transition. This is why sometimes I just hate to go on Facebook. No one had reached out to me to tell me that my friend, comrade, and play brother, Greg Brinkley, had gotten sick and that he had not made it through the illness. Gone. Just like that. There will definitely be a hole in the Abbottsford community that I pray someone can fill. I learned of his passing on Facebook on August 23rd. I immediately called his wife for confirmation.
Greg Brinkley was a family man through and through. No question about it. He loved and cherished his wife of 43 years. He treasured her. Normally when you saw Greg, you would see his wife Georjean, right nearby. They were a team in all they did. This couple could have moved away from the Abbotsford Housing complex many years ago if they had wanted to, yet they chose to stay. They were always determined to make life better–not only for themselves and their family but–for all the families who lived at Abbottsford. Every summer, normally around this time of year, through the Abbottsford Tenant Council, Greg Brinkley, his wife, his Mother-in-law, and some other hard workers hosted the annual Abbottsford Tenant Reunion. People who used to live at Abbottsford back in the 1960s and earlier would come back and party with the current residents, some of whom have lived there all their lives. Greg Brinkley made sure to get positive workshops, classes, and training sessions at the Abbottsford Community Center. He fought for and won all kinds of special programs for the tenants of Abbottsford.
Aside from his important work as the President of the Abbottsford Tenant Council, Greg Brinkley was elected President of Rev. Al Sharpton’s organization, (Philadelphia Chapter), the National Action Network, (Philadelphia Freedom Riders), in 2009, and he remained the Philadelphia Chapter President until 2012. He stood and marched with many local “Stop the Violence” activists over the years. He also helped lead the fight to keep Donald Trump from opening a Trump Casino on Hunting Park Avenue when Trump applied to do so some years ago, here in Philadelphia. When Word came down that Women’s Medical Hospital on Henry Avenue (a few blocks away from the Abbottsford Housing Complex) was about to close, once again Greg Brinkley, along with his close friend, another community activist Ralph Wynder, came together with others and marched and held rallies to try and save that hospital from closing. They won the battle against the Trump casino. They lost the battle to save Women’s Medical, and there were many more community activist fights along the way. Greg was also the leader in the fight to exonerate his nephew Kevin, who served 40 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit.
Greg Brinkley was very outspoken. Many people loved him or liked him. Some people, well he ruffled their feathers, which is what strong, honest community activists do. Greg Brinkley was unbought and unbossed and unafraid to say how he really felt, take it or leave it.
When I think about Greg and his wife, one story that always sticks out for me is that they both would always tell us about when they were in grade school together and how he would always tug on her beautiful long pigtails. He just couldn’t resist. Years later, he couldn’t resist proposing to Georjean and making her his wife.
Greg’s family shared information with me. The son of the late William and Janie Brinkley, Greg was born in Philadelphia, PA December 16, 1958. The youngest of 18 children, he attended Thomas Mifflin Elementary and Roxborough High Schools. He spent his formative years in Abbottsford Homes, where he participated in the community band. One of two drummers, he won the heart of a very special majorette, Georjean Furlow, courting her until they wed in 1978. Married 43 years, they are the proud parents of four children Zakiyyah, Sadiyq, Jamaal (who preceded him in death), and Aziim.
Greg was a devoted husband, father, and pop-pop. A provider and protector, he ensured the well-being of his wife and kids while encouraging, motivating, and supporting them throughout life’s journey. His devotion extended to his godchildren, siblings, nieces, and nephews. He loved his family in words and deeds, and they loved him. “Uncle One Call Away” was always available, no matter the occasion.
Greg, a man of many talents, excelled professionally. He began his career at Hahnemann Hospital. During his 20-year tenure, he worked as a pharmacy technician and materials manager while serving as a local rep and executive board member for District 1199C, an affiliate of the National Union of Hospital and Health Care Employees. Upon retirement, Greg, following in the footsteps of his late brother Leonard, pursued a career with the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections and served as a prison guard and union rep at SCI Graterford. He retired after 10-years. However, there was no rest for the weary. Instead, he secured two part-time positions at Self Help, Inc. and Gaudenzia Philly, where he worked as house manager until God called him home.
As if paid employment wasn’t enough, in pursuit of social justice for his people, Greg was elected Philadelphia Chapter president of Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network (NAN) from 2009-2012. Simultaneously, he was Resident Council president at Abbottsford Homes, where he lived for 50 years. Ironically, having given so much of himself to his community, expecting nothing in return, he received the gift of education from the Philadelphia Housing Authority, earning his GED in February 2014, one of the proudest moments of his life.
While committed to his community and social justice, Greg found time to enjoy life. A talented athlete, he played softball for The Mustangs for many years, in his lighter leaner days. He loved to dance and could be found impersonating James Brown at all major family events. Dining out was also a favorite pastime. He was recognized as a big tipper, but only after working the serving staff overtime during his visit. He also found pleasure in traveling by plane, train, or automobile and would jump in the car with his non-driving sidekick Jean and head north, where before their arrival, the hotel would literally leave the light on! Greg was also obsessed with Mr. Softee. He could hear the bell from miles away and would track him down every time.
Greg Brinkley’s Muslim name was “Abdul Hamid.”
A life well-lived, Greg leaves to celebrate his legacy: wife Georjean, children Zakiyyah (Ben), Sadiyq (Moneic) and Aziim (Tiaraa), nine grandchildren, Fakiy, Atiyah, Imani, Kamaal, Sabrina, Aziyah, Janiyah, Jasmine, and Aliyah; two great-grandchildren Suhail and Nora, eight sisters and brothers Ethel, Belinda, Margaret, Steven (Lavinia), Vickie (Roy), Michael, Gerald and Edward, mother-in-law Marvina, sister-in-law Helen, brother-in-law Roy as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
Greg’s Janazah Prayer was Saturday, August 28th, at the Lenwood Jones Funeral Home in West Philadelphia, and he was laid to rest at Friends Southwestern Burial Ground in Upper Darby, PA.
I am so tired of writing about awesome people after they’ve passed. I am thrilled to announce that starting in next week’s edition of the SCOOP, our Publisher Sherri Darden is kicking off a new feature, called “Giving Them Their Roses Now,” and it will feature some amazing and wonderful people from the Delaware Valley, who we want to celebrate while they’re here to enjoy it. If you know of someone whom you think should be celebrated, please send an email to: theramartin10@gmail.com. SCOOP Management reserves the right to select from names submitted for this special feature.
