George Beaubian
Beaubian (l) with his colleagues receiving the Brotherhood Crusade Medal of Honor
The Brotherhood Crusade Medal of Honor
George Beaubian has been a leader in the community for almost five decades and has led the fight not only at the Brotherhood Crusade but also in other areas of the community
By Yussuf J. Simmonds
Sentinel Managing Editor
When the Brotherhood Crusade called upon the men and women who had been steadfast in creating the premier philanthropic African American institution in the nation, George Beaubian was one of those who answered that call. He was one an illustrious group of men and women–the Board of Directors–who received the first Brotherhood Crusade Medal of Honor at the 2010 Walter Bremond Pioneer of African American Achievement Award dinner.
For as long as anyone can remember, Beaubian was there helping and directing the struggling organization to become the premier philanthropic institution it has become over the last forty plus years. When the flames died down and the embers simmered from the ashes of the Watts Rebellion, Beaubian was there to guide and direct the Brotherhood Crusade.
In addition, Beaubian used his time, energy and talent in business, and served his community in other areas of endeavor and service. Besides serving on the Brotherhood Crusade’s board as a member, as chairman and asvice chairman respectively, he also served the city of Los Angeles on of the Fire Department’s board of commissioners, under the leadership of Mayor Tom Bradley. Beaubian was also a businessman, operating George Beaubian & Associates as a financial consultant. But the ultimate measure of his being can be summed up via his friends and colleagues with whom he had worked and associated over the years.
Charisse Bremond-Weaver, the current president and CEO of the Brotherhood Crusade, in learning of his passing, issued the following statement: “The Brotherhood Crusade is saddened by the loss of one of the longest and active board members. Mr. Beaubian was a teacher, friend, leader and a man who loved his community, and family. We all must continue his legacy of serving others.”
Past president and current chairman of the board, Danny J. Bakewell, Sr. said, “In my 35 years as president of the Brotherhood, George had been directly responsible for all of the successes that I have achieved as president and beyond. He was always there when I needed him. On behalf of the board, my family and myself, I extend our condolences; our prayers go out to his family. George will be greatly missed.”
Cliff McClain, one of the board members, who have “fought” beside Beaubian at the Brotherhood Crusade since its early days, was speechless and dumbfounded when told that his colleague had passed. McClain said, “George was a real nice guy … easy to get along with and always very helpful in every way possible. When I needed something, he always came through … he was the epitome of brotherhood … not just with words, but his deeds and actions exemplified what we were all about.”
Another board member, Karl Key-Hekima, was surprised with the news that Beaubian had passed, and his surprise was evident by his loss of words. He was choked up with emotion and the words came out very sparsely: “He was a cool dude whenever we saw each other at the board meeting; he was always helpful in doing the community’s business … helping to serve others. His commitment was beyond reproach, and his work ethic and focus was always in the cause of brotherhood, and to improving the quality of life for others.”
When reached, Herb Carter, Beaubian’s longtime friend said that he was in the process of writing an obituary for his friend. He said, “He was my friend for more than 50 years. He was a proud Black man who lived a life of caring and compassion for every one he encountered. First of all, he was committed to his family: his wife, his daughter and his son who passed away at an untimely period in his early life, and to his grand kids. He gave generously of his intelligence, and his time on behalf of others, and his community.”
George Beaubian will forever be remembered as a fighter for the cause of brotherhood.
