When Elder Dewitt Brown describes “animals,” he’s not just talking about four-legged furry creatures, but also two-legged human beings possessing meanness beyond measure.
Brown details his journey to flee from this environment in “Escaping the Dogs of Mississippi,” a memoir outlining how he survived the racism of the deep South and went on to achieve rest in the Lord. He also explains how anyone – man, woman, Black, White, Asian – can behave like a “dog.”
“This book is my life story. I was born in 1935, in the heart of Mississippi,” said the 87-year-old Brown. “Many times I was almost killed by the Mississippi dog. That’s why I named the book ‘Escaping the Dogs of Mississippi’ because it’s a mentality.”
Listing the characteristics, he said, “These Mississippi dogs have no feelings. They are void of empathy or compassion, natural-born predator: they exist only to cause others to suffer.”
In his book, Brown recalls many harrowing encounters with “Mississippi dogs” of all ethnicities. While White “dogs” made his life miserable in the South, he said a Black “gang of dogs” killed his brother in Chicago in 1961. He remembered that a Korean mechanic deliberately charged him double for car repairs.
“Yes, dogs are everywhere, but so is God,” declared Brown, who credits his strong relationship with Christ with empowering him to experience the favor of God throughout his life. Leaving Mississippi at the age of 16, he went on to serve in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in Honolulu, Hawaii. It was during that period that he accepted the call of the Lord to preach the Gospel.
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After his discharge from the military, Brown moved to Los Angeles where he ministered at The Beloved COGIC and became an active member of New Antioch Church of God in Christ in South Los Angeles. He also served four years as interim pastor of New Hope Community COGIC in South L.A., and then resumed his position as Sunday School Superintendent at New Antioch.
Elder Brown has overcome many demons and distractions during his 50+ years of ministry, yet he has stayed the course, gaining strength from his favorite scripture – Lamentations 3:22, which reads, “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”
All in all, Brown considers himself “a blessed man to be here after growing up in the rural south of Mississippi.”
Citing God’s blessings, he said, “I’m so grateful. I live a life of gratitude. I don’t take anything for granted, and especially as I’m still driving for Uber. I’m still able to be productive at my age.”
With his rich and melodious voice, Elder Brown started another side gig – producing and recording spots for traditional radio and social media. He launched the venture at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic by creating and hosting an Internet show called Instruments of Praise.
As the program neared its three-year run, Brown transitioned to voicing 30-second commercials for local businesses. In addition, he serves as marketing director for Good Connections Media Marketing, which offers radio, TV, billboards and Internet advertising promotions.
“It’s really God that’s got me in His favor,” admitted Brown. “I have a sound mind and a healthy body. That’s a testimony by itself. If you don’t believe in God, just look at me!”
“Escaping the Dogs of Mississippi” is available on Amazon and at Word of Life Bookstore.
