Members of Minnesota's Greatest Generation were great "joiners" in the post-war years, with many becoming members of business and service fraternal organizations, bridge clubs, and other groups. Membership in these organizations was often restricted to white men and women until the Civil Rights movement began to change atitudes and open doors.
John Leslie Brown, Sr. not only broke color barriers in business, he also became the first African American man to be admitted to Council 397 of the Knights of Columbus in St. Paul in 1956. This certificate was awarded to Mr. Brown in 1964, when he achieved the Honors of the Fourth Degree in that organization.
Publisher: Joel Brown, used with permission
Date: 1964
