Lucille Brooks has always been an inspiration to many.
Her niece, Rhonda Alexander, said Brooks a teacher, taught and inspired such talented individuals as Audrey McCallum who became the first African-American to graduate from the Peabody Preparatory School, the Rev. Jimmie MacDonald, accomplished musician Jason Ambush and others.
“She gave to the community. If someone wanted to learn music, she bought them an organ,” Alexander said. “If a family was in need, she took them shopping.”
Brooks, who died on Thursday, Oct. 9 at the age of 102, will be posthumously honored during the Rosa Pryor Music Scholarship Fund’s 23rd Annual Scholarship Award Banquet at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 26, at the Forum Caterers on Primrose Avenue in Baltimore.
The banquet and organization is the brainchild of Rosa Pryor-Trusty, who’s known as “Rambling Rose” for her music and entertainment columns she writes for multiple newspapers, including the Baltimore Times.
The goal of Pryor-Trusty’s organization is to provide financial aid to elementary, junior, and senior high school students who aspire to enroll in a music education program.
Scholarships are awarded by the organization to gifted and talented students between the age of five and 17 who can sing or play a musical instrument.
“This is a time for transition in our society. It is time to look into the resourcefulness of our gifted and talented youth and make an investment in their future, whether it is music or academia,” Pryor-Trusty said in a news release. “[The community’s] assistance can help turn their dream into a reality. The continuation of this invaluable community service requires outside funds and media support.”
In addition to the scholarships awarded to the students, the banquet will also honor Maryland’s renowned musicians and nightclub owners.
Among this year’s honorees are Brooks, a teacher and mentor to many; Dante Daniels, the owner of Maceo’s night club; and Ronald Scott, the owner of Caton Castle Lounge.
At 42, Daniels has nearly 30 years of restaurant experience, according to a news release. A former chef at Cheesecake Factory and Legal Seaford before becoming owner of Maceo’s, a popular Baltimore jazz restaurant and catering business, Daniels said he was thrilled to be honored by Pryor-Trusty.
At 69, Scott has giving so much back to the community, especially during the holiday season. His donations of food baskets, clothes and toys have made his establishment a positive place in the neighborhood.
“People come and enjoy your place and let you know that they appreciate what you’re doing or trying to do,” he said.
And, with so much on the menu, there’s little question that despite her death, Brooks will loom large over the ceremonies.
Brooks earned a master’s degree from Morgan State and taught music in Baltimore City Schools, including at Dunbar, Carver, Patterson and Lake Clifton, for more than 50 years. She also played piano and organ at many churches around Baltimore.
“Before she died, she said she was excited about the honor,” Alexander said. “She said she was blessed to have her daughter, Lucille Perry taking good care of her, and to have a niece, myself, she could always count on.”
Alexander says Brooks is also survived by three grandchildren two of whom like Alexander and Brooks, are educators while a third is a certified public accountant.
She also has 11 great-grandchildren.
“Everyone is doing well,” Alexander said. “She orchestrated the lives of her legacy.”
For more information about the banquet or for tickets, visit: www.rosapryormusic.com. Tickets for the event are $65 and includes a cash bar, open dinner buffet and live entertainment by Baltimore’s Greg Hatza and his band.