At the funeral service for Helen S. Brodie Baldwin, who passed away Sept. 30, her friends and associates learned there was much more to her life than being married to the brother of the famed author James Baldwin.
Countless speakers at her homegoing on Nov. 1 at Union Congregational Church, United Church of Christ in Harlem, fondly recalled her leadership at Minisink Townhouse and Camp, Queensborough Community College, and at the City-Wide Coordinating Committee in Manhattan. I had no idea she had such a diverse relationship with so many community organizations.
When I sought Helen out to lecture to my students at City College, it was mainly for her to elaborate on her connection to Baldwin. She was so self-effacing and never delved into her brilliance in leadership. Many also spoke of “her creative spirit, as a writer, producer, director, who brought stories to life,” according to the funeral program.
Even during her intimate details about her famous relative, she never mentioned her own publication, “Uptown: The Voice of Central Harlem.” Outside of the classroom, where she was my guest speaker on two occasions, I was with her and her son, Trevor, and Mayor Bill de Blasio after a street was named in honor of her brother-in-law.
The last time I saw Helen was when I was accompanying my wife to Mount Sinai’s geriatric hospital, but we only greeted each other in passing. If we had met a little earlier, it might have given me the opportunity to learn about some of her achievements, as highlighted at the funeral, in advance.
One of the most moving tributes to her was delivered by former Assemblymember Keith Wright, who many years ago, during Helen’s tenure as Minisink’s leader, was presented with the Meliorism Award. In his remarks, he touched on her visionary importance to the community and her role in a church where her parents were founding members.
Another memorable moment came when a contingent of Delta Sigma Theta members assembled across the front of the church and recited a litany of praise in her honor. A few days before the funeral, Trevor sent me several photos and a copy of her resume, which was festooned with her academic accomplishments from Columbia University’s Teachers College, including a certificate from the University of Ghana, Legon.
I was so consumed by Helen’s presence and her task of discussing James Baldwin that I was unaware of her own magnificence. Trevor, I hope this serves as my apology for my oversight in not giving her the recognition she deserved.
Her homegoing ceremony will certainly help her memory resonate with future generations, particularly at the church where a plaque commemorates her father, Adolphus Brodie.