Every high school has teachers and staff members who leave lasting impressions on the students, and Homer Leon Bradford Jr. was that for Crenshaw High School. Bradford had a 36-year career with LAUSD, spending most of that time working as security for the South L.A. high school.
For decades, he was a familiar face supervising the front gates of Crenshaw. At a school known for it’s strong football and basketball legacy, Bradford made a name for himself by being a mentor. His coworkers and family members exclaimed that he was passionate about the wellbeing of children.
He left a legacy of positivity and unerring service for his small biological family and the multitude that makes up the Crenshaw High School community, according to Crenshaw staff members.
“He always had a smile, he always had something kind to say to you,” said Eleanor Elliott, who has been working at Crenshaw for 33 years. “His spirit was the spirit of gold.”
Bradford was born on December 5, 1954 to Della Carter and Homer Bradford Sr.. He had one older brother, Walter Donald Walker. He also grew up with his second cousins Anita Justin-Patton and Carolyn Albertson.
Growing up, Bradford was a fan of collecting comic books and baseball cards; he also enjoyed playing sports like baseball and basketball. During the summers, Bradford worked for the Parks and Recreation Department, helping at day camps for Virginia Road Elementary School.
Bradford graduated from Dorsey High School in 1973 and studied at West L.A. College. He also started working for 42nd Street School and Audubon Middle School at that time.
“He ended up just really finding his place at Crenshaw,” said Justin-Patton.
He was also known for collecting caps, from Buffalo soldier’s caps, to the L.A. Lakers to Taste of Soul apparel. Along with his love for the Dodgers and the Lakers was his drive to help children.
“Homer was one-of-a-kind,” said Maria Novoa, a Special Education Assistant at Crenshaw. “He was a gem, sweet, loving, and always had treats for our kids.”
Bradford was known for touching the lives of many Crenshaw students and workers, their children and even grandchildren. School librarian Allison Walker attended Crenshaw, her mother worked with Bradford and her children attend Crenshaw.
“I would say he was Mr. Crenshaw because … I know he loved the school,” she said. “He was always here and he offered his total support.”
When the football and basketball teams would go to away games, he traveled with them and helped the security workers at the site. People who worked with Bradford described him as dependable, kindhearted, and convivial.
“They had him at the right place, at that front gate where he can welcome in everybody,” said Donnie Greene, a Crenshaw high alum who also became a co-worker of Bradford’s. “Once he welcome you to Crenshaw High School, you felt really part of [the] Crenshaw family.”
Bradford retired in 2012 due to health issues. In his retirement, he would frequently visit the Baldwin Hills Mall and attend the Taste of Soul festival each year.
Bradford passed away on April 28, at Centinela Hospital.
Cougar Connection, a Crenshaw alumni organization, hosted a candlelight vigil for Bradford. Hundreds of alumni, current students, staff, faculty, and past administrators attended. The vigil consisted of prayers, words from alumni and family, and selections from the Crenshaw Elite Choir.
“I was elated; it was just so heartwarming to see everyone there. The choir was just so wonderful,” Albertson said. “They thought enough of my cousin to do all that.” Bradford leaves behind his aunt, Barbara Ann Franklin, older brother Walker, the love of his life Donna Tyree, his niece Dontia Walker, his cousins Albertson and Justin-Patton, and his nieces and nephews.
