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LISC Names Bishop Brazier as First Senior Fellow

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Bishop Arthur M. Brazier has been named the first LISC/Chicago Senior Fellow. Bishop Brazier is a nationally renowned civil rights leader and a founder of The Woodlawn Organization (TWO) in Chicago, a participant in LISC’s New Communities Program.

He also founded a community development corporation, the Woodlawn Preservation and Investment Corporation (WPIC), and served as a vice president for the Center for Community Change in Washington, D.C.

After decorated service in WWII, Bishop Brazier entered the pastorate of Apostolic Church of God in Woodlawn, which he then built into the largest congregation in the city of Chicago. He recently retired after 48 years as pastor.

During the year-long fellowship at LISC/Chicago, Bishop Brazier will make several presentations on his experiences in community development and will advise on a number of Chicago and national projects, including national LISC’s Sustainable Communities program, which is replicating many of the principles and practices from the New Communities Program in 10 cities around the country.

“Improving my community isn’t a job, it’s been my whole life,” said Bishop Brazier. “Working with LISC has always been an effective way to improve the quality of life for those around me, and I hope to continue this work in my new role as Senior Fellow,” said Bishop Brazier, in a South Street Journal news article.

The South Street Journal also quoted LISC Chicago executive director Andy Mooney, who said the non-profit was honored to have the longtime community leader on board. “His insight, passion and experience will be tremendous assets to LISC/Chicago, National LISC and our partner organizations, just as they have been an asset to his community and the city for years,” said Mooney.

This story is compiled from an article that first appeared in the Fall 2008 issue of Working Capital, the quarterly newsletter of LISC/Chicago, and the South Street Journal.