Sgt. Richard Brookshire with members of the commission [City of Coral Springs}
By Bryan Boggiano
The Coral Springs City Commission recognized Sergeant Richard Brookshire for his work to ensure better treatment for Black veterans nationwide at the commission’s November 15th meeting.
Brookshire attended Forest Hills Elementary School before attending Coral Springs Charter School, where he graduated in 2006.
After he completed school, Brookshire served in the military for more than ten years. He served as an Infantry Combat Medic and is a U.S. Army veteran of the War in Afghanistan. Brookshire was also in the army reserves.
Brookshire is a Morehouse College and Fordham University graduate with an MPA in Urban and Social Policy from Columbia University, specializing in media and society.
In 2018, Brookshire founded the Black Veterans Project to further research, national reporting, and storytelling to advocate for racial equity for Black active duty service members and veterans.
He also helped establish the Black Veterans Establishment Council, a group of more than 15 black veteran service organizations, according to city documents.
The coalition work focuses on advancing legislation to address and mitigate housing, education, employment, and healthcare inequities.
According to the Black Veterans Project, there are over two million Black veterans in the United States, comprising one-third of the country’s homeless veteran population. These veterans are twice as likely to live in poverty as their white counterparts.
While Brookshire expressed his admiration for the community and gratitude for receiving the recognition, the commission thanked him for his efforts toward racial equity and inclusion.
“It’s only special that we recognize a product from our community and really amplify the great work that they’re doing throughout the country…” said Commissioner Nancy Metayer Bowen. “Your efforts have ensured the well-being of all Black veterans who have served.”
Send Your News to Coral Springs #1 Award-Winning News Site Here. Don’t miss reading Parkland Talk, Tamarac Talk, Coconut Creek Talk, and Margate Talk.
