nothin Andrea Jackson-Brooks Way Marks Lifetime Of… | New Haven Independent

Andrea Jackson-Brooks Way Marks Lifetime Of Public Service

Maya McFadden Photos

Families, friends, and mentees of former Hill Alder and State Rep. Andrea Jackson-Brooks joined together Saturday at what is now known as Andrea Jackson-Brooks Way, the corner of Spring Street and Dewitt Street.

The longtime New Haven leader was honored for her many stints of public service: She represented Ward 4 on the Board of Alders for 15 years, served two terms as state representative for New Haven’s 95th Connecticut General Assembly District, worked as former Mayor John DeStefano’s executive assistant, served as an assistant in the state comptroller’s office, and chaired the board of the Cornell Scott Hill Health Center.

Loved ones and city officials gathered outside of Jackson-Brooks’ home on the corner of Spring and Dewitt with posters as she watched from her second-floor balcony.

Police Chief Otoniel Reyes, former Mayor Toni Harp, Ward 4 Alder Evelyn Rodriguez, Mayor Justin Elicker, State Rep. Rosa DeLauro, and others spoke about working closely with Jackson-Brooks during her lifelong services for the state.

She made a lot of us leaders. Her legacy has been in us, but now it is physical too,” Rodriguez said.

Jackson-Brooks’s oldest son, Daniel Gant (above right), accepted the formal ordinance from Rodriguez for his mother’s accomplishment.

Rodriguez reminisced on being a mentee of Jackson-Brooks while she was alder. She pushed me to respect everyone, do my best, and always invest with my neighbors,” she said.

Rodriguez learned a new definition of commitment and public service watching Jackson-Brooks work as alder. Many recalled Jackson-Brooks’s huge heart and work ethic.

The family members who now take care of Jackson-Brooks joined the celebration of the new name of the corner and Gant’s birthday.

Gant stood beside his father, kids, nieces, and nephews while expressing how proud he is of his mother. This is us. We come from a legend. She taught us well and instilled strength in us,” he said.

Rev. Bonita Grubbs (pictured) closed the gathering with a prayer after recalling times with Jackson-Brooks, who is her close friend. The two played basketball together; she reminisced about their trips to watch the CT Sun women’s basketball team at the Mohegan Sun Arena.

There was nothing that could stop me from being a part of this history,” said Gant’s friend Kim Crabbe, who traveled from North Carolina to New Haven for the celebration.

Chief Reyes spoke at the gathering about growing up in the Hill. His first encounter with Jackson-Brooks was when she approached him as a rookie officer after making a traffic stop. Jackson-Brooks told Reyes about the importance of the Hill and invited him to work with her some time to get to know her neighbors.

She’s a Hill dog forever,” Reyes said.

Hill resident Tyshawn Adorno at the Saturday celebration.

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