Michael Brown is best known for being shot and killed by Ferguson, Missouri police officer Darren Wilson on August 9, 2014. His death sparked protests and riots in Ferguson and ignited the Black Lives Matter movement against police brutality and racial profiling. But who was Michael Brown beyond the tragic circumstances of his death? Let’s take a closer look at his background and credentials.
Early Life and Education
Michael Brown was born on May 20, 1996 in Florissant, Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis. He was the son of Lesley McSpadden and Michael Brown Sr. and had one sibling, his sister Deja Brown.
Brown attended Normandy High School in Wellston, Missouri. He was slated to graduate in 2014. Friends described him as a quiet but outgoing 18-year-old who was known for his sense of humor and love of music. He was a passionate hip hop and rap fan and even wrote and performed his own songs. He had the nickname “Big Mike” because of his large stature at 6 feet 4 inches tall and nearly 300 pounds.
While Brown had some behavioral issues at school, his teachers and friends still felt he had a bright future ahead of him. He had plans to go to college, specifically a technical college, to learn how to fix heating and air conditioning units. However, those plans were tragically cut short by his untimely death.
Work Experience
In the months leading up to his death, Brown was working summer jobs to earn money. According to his family, he had been employed doing janitorial work and helping with moving services. These were typical summertime jobs for teens in the area. It demonstrated Brown’s work ethic and desire to be productive and make his own money.
Additionally, Brown was said to sometimes help his stepfather with his contracting business. His stepdad refurbished homes, and Brown would assist with odd jobs and manual labor on those projects. This gave him some hands-on skills in construction and home renovation work.
While just 18, Brown did have some basic work experience that showed he was motivated to work hard. His juvenile record had no convictions of any felonies or violent crimes either. So he was just beginning to gain credentials through holding down honest jobs.
Music Credentials
One of Michael Brown’s biggest passions was music. He wrote rap lyrics and recorded several amateur songs in makeshift home studios. This demonstrated his creative side and love of musical expression.
According to his family, Brown had been working on an album with a rapper named Vell Mob. He saw music as a creative outlet that also offered a way to share his life experiences. While rough around the edges, his recordings show some potential as an amateur musician. With more time and experience, he may have developed into a successful rap artist.
So in the music world, Brown had some early credentials through writing original lyrics and recording tracks. However, his career was cut short before he could fully establish himself as an artist. But the raw talent was clearly there in those formative years.
Athletic Achievements
Standing at 6 feet 4 inches and nearly 300 pounds, Michael Brown had an imposing physical size, especially as a teenager. Not surprisingly, he leveraged this into success in athletic pursuits.
Brown played football for Normandy High School. He started as a lineman on the varsity football team in his sophomore year. Friends said he had a natural talent for the game thanks to his large frame. His coaches believed he had the skills to play football at the college level if he continued developing.
Additionally, Brown participated in intramural basketball games at school. His height again gave him an advantage on the court. So athletically, Brown demonstrated some credentials in football and basketball during his teenage years.
Community Involvement
Though he was just 18 when he died, Michael Brown did participate in some community outreach programs for youth. According to his family, he routinely participated in bake sales that raised money for various charity initiatives.
Brown was also involved in his church’s Bible studies and teen social events. He participated in cleaning local parks and streets with the church youth group as well. And he also mentored younger boys in the community, particularly his cousins.
So while he was still very young, Brown did show an early commitment to community service and helping others. This demonstrates positive credentials in giving back to the community.
Conclusion
For an 18-year-old who had just graduated high school, Michael Brown did have some promising credentials. He was gainfully employed doing summer work and helping with the family contracting business. He showed creativity and musical talent through his rap lyrics and recordings. He achieved athletic success in football and basketball due to his large frame. And he was involved in community and church service activities as a youth. Sadly, his life was cut short before he could fully develop his credentials as an adult. But the potential shown in those developmental years still serves as a reminder of the lost promise.