Attorney General Anthony Brown
First African-American Attorney General of the U.S. state of Maryland
An Inspiring pioneer Journey in Law and Politics
Early Life and Education
Born on November 21, 1961, in Huntington, New York, Anthony Gregory Brown’s life journey is marked by determination, immigrant roots, and a commitment to public service. His parents, Roy Hershel Brown and Lilly I. Berlinger, both immigrants, instilled in him a deep sense of purpose. Raised in Huntington, New York, Anthony attended public schools, where he demonstrated leadership by becoming the first African American elected as the president of Huntington High School’s student council in his senior year.
After graduating from Huntington High School in 1979, Anthony embarked on a remarkable academic journey. He initially started at the United States Military Academy at West Point before transitioning to Harvard College. At Harvard, he majored in government and became actively involved in student leadership, serving on the Student Advisory Committee at Harvard Kennedy School’s Institute of Politics. Despite Harvard not offering ROTC at the time, Anthony’s commitment to service led him to enroll in the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps program at MIT, earning a two-year scholarship. In 1984, he graduated cum laude with an A.B. and was recognized as a Distinguished Military Graduate.
Military Career
Anthony Brown’s dedication to service continued as he received a commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army upon graduation. During his five-year active duty service, he achieved distinctions as a helicopter pilot and earned aeronautical ratings as an Army aviator. His accomplishments included completing airborne training, obtaining both the Basic Parachutist Badge and the Air Assault Badge, and serving with the Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division in Europe. Throughout his active duty period, Anthony held various positions of responsibility, showcasing his leadership abilities.
Law School and Legal Career
Following his active duty service, Anthony Brown pursued higher education at Harvard Law School in 1989, alongside notable figures like President Barack Obama, Artur Davis, and actor Hill Harper. His legal studies were marked by academic excellence, and he served on the Board of Student Advisers. In his third-year paper, mentored by Professor Charles Ogletree, he delved into the Fourth Amendment’s scope regarding unreasonable search and seizure within the military context. Additionally, Anthony was actively involved in the Black Law Students Association, chairing the Membership Committee.
Anthony graduated from Harvard Law School with a Juris Doctor in 1992. His post-graduate journey included a prestigious two-year clerkship for Chief Judge Eugene Sullivan of the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces. He furthered his legal career at the renowned international law firm of Wilmer Cutler Pickering, now WilmerHale, where he worked alongside civil rights luminary John Payton and former United States Attorney for the District of Maryland, Stephen H. Sachs. In recognition of his commitment to pro bono work, Anthony received Wilmer’s Pro Bono Publico Award in 1998.
Political Career and Achievements
Anthony Gregory Brown’s foray into politics commenced with his election to the Maryland House of Delegates, where he served for two four-year terms, representing Prince George’s County from 1999 to 2007. His dedication to public service extended to his role as the eighth lieutenant governor of Maryland, which he held for two terms from 2007 to 2015. Notably, Anthony was elected as lieutenant governor in 2006, running on the Democratic ticket with Governor Martin O’Malley, and they secured re-election in 2010.
In 2014, Anthony Brown embarked on a gubernatorial campaign; however, he narrowly lost to Republican nominee Larry Hogan. Despite this setback, his commitment to serving Marylanders remained unwavering.
Awards and Legacy
Anthony Brown’s dedication to public service and his groundbreaking achievements in politics have earned him recognition and respect. In October 2021, he announced his decision not to seek re-election to the U.S. House in 2022. Instead, he chose to run for the position of attorney general of Maryland. He won the Democratic primary on July 19, 2022, and subsequently secured victory in the general election on November 8, 2022, making history as Maryland’s first Black attorney general.
Throughout his career, Anthony Gregory Brown has exemplified leadership, resilience, and a commitment to justice. His legacy continues to inspire individuals to pursue careers in law and politics, with an unwavering dedication to serving their communities and promoting inclusivity in government. Anthony’s remarkable journey from immigrant roots to becoming a prominent figure in Maryland’s political landscape is a testament to the American dream and the power of public service.