By the Family of Herb Brown
Special to the AFRO
The Ashburton community gathered June 21 to celebrate the 100-year-old living legend among them, Herbert “Herb” Brown, a World War II U.S. Army veteran and trailblazing entrepreneur. The lifelong community leader was honored with the unveiling of “Mr. Herb Brown Way,” the street where he has resided for 64 years.
“It meant everything to see over 100 people come out for him,” said Erika Bessick, Brown’s granddaughter. “It just shows how deeply loved he is not just by our family, but by this whole community.”
Having first moved to Ashburton from another community in Northwest Baltimore decades ago, Brown has been a cornerstone of his historic Baltimore neighborhood, shaping civic life and creating pathways for Black economic advancement.
According to previous AFRO reporting, Brown was born in Winnsboro, S.C. He is the youngest of three sons born to Lawrence and Willie Mae Brown. His family relocated to Baltimore when he was a mere six months old, according to Bessick. Brown graduated from Douglass High School and from there went into the Army. After two years, he was discharged honorably as a sergeant and then began making a name for himself as an entrepreneur.
Brown is widely recognized as the founder and owner of Mondawmin Travel Agency, Inc., the first full-service Black-owned travel agency in the State of Maryland. At the time he was one of only two Black-owned businesses in Mondawmin Mall. His vision broke barriers in the industry, providing opportunities and access for Black families at a time when travel was often limited by segregation and discrimination.
Herbert “Herb” Brown, the respected World War II veteran and savvy businessman, reacts to seeing a Baltimore City street named in his honor. 
Shown here, Maryland State Del. Malcolm P. Ruff (D-Baltimore City- District 41) speaking at the street renaming ceremony held in honor of Herb Brown. 
Mr. Herb Brown Way is unveiled. 
Chuck Thomas, 101, shares a moment with Herb Brown. 
Baltimore City Council Vice-President Sharon Middleton (D-Baltimore City- District 6), greets Herb Brown at his street renaming ceremony. 
Chezia Cager (left), Herb Brown’s great-niece, enjoys the day alongside former Baltimore City Mayor Catherine Pugh.
Beyond his entrepreneurial success, Brown’s impact on Baltimore’s civic and political landscape is unmatched. He has served the city and state in numerous leadership roles, including on the City Liquor Board, the Board of Zoning Appeals, the Maryland Tourism Task Force, the U.S. International Tourism Task Force and the Council for Equal Business Opportunity. His decades of political organizing helped usher in a generation of Black leadership in Baltimore and across Maryland.
The unveiling of “Mr. Herb Brown Way” brought together more than 100 family members, neighbors and friends, along with distinguished leaders who have played pivotal roles in Baltimore’s civic life. Among those in attendance were Vice President of the Baltimore City Council Sharon Green Middleton (D- Baltimore City- District 6); Judge Askew Gatewood, Jr., co-founder and CEO of AR Development; Theo Rodgers; Delegates Scott Phillips (D-MD-10); Sandy Rosenberg (D-MD-41); Del. Malcolm Ruff (D-MD-41) and former Baltimore City Mayors Kurt Schmoke, Sheila Dixon and Catherine Pugh—all of whom, at some point, have called Ashburton home. Also present were Dan Henson, Patricia Tunstall and Chuck Thomas, former president of the historic Vanguard Organization, who turned 101 years old on June 24.
His great-niece, Chezia Cager, reflected on the broader meaning of the day: “This isn’t just about one man – it’s about the legacy of a whole generation. What Uncle Herb and so many others did for Baltimore changed the city. It’s our responsibility to celebrate them now, while they can still feel that love.”
Ahead of the street dedication, Maryland Governor Wes Moore paid a personal visit to Mr. Brown at his home.
“Dad’s been smiling since that visit and now –with the street sign– he’s going to be smiling for a while,” said Kevin Brown, Herb’s son.
As the community cheered and the new sign was unveiled, “Mr. Herb Brown Way” became more than just a name on a street corner. It became a living testament to the leadership, service and love that has defined Brown’s remarkable century of life.