Henry Bracey

Henry J. Bracey the son of the late Sheba M. Davis and Joseph Bracey of Eastover and Hopkins SC, was born in Grand Rapids MI on January 31, 1949.  He was affectionately called “Butch” by his family and friends.  Henry received a Bachelor of Arts from Western Michigan University and received the degree of Master of Education from the University of South Carolina.

Henry had a wide range of professional experiences, ranging from the first African American Director of the Council on Aging in Columbia SC, Patient Care Coordinator with the Lexington/Richland Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council to Career Counselor with Midland’s Technical College the position he held for thirty plus years at his retirement in 2009.

Henry had a special love for African Centered philosophies and concepts and was the founder of Kuumba Circle Information Brokerage which utilized his experience in conducting workshops and lectures to deepen awareness of the African American experience.  One of his favorites quotes is “It takes a Village to raise a child.”  He tirelessly worked with students and organizations to ensure information, training, persistence, and motivation were used as the vaccines for success.

Henry was a founding member of A Concerned Group of Men which ran project impact programs in the schools, churches and community with manhood training programs.  The group traveled throughout the US and received numerous letters of commendations from different cities on their programs.  Other founding members were M. Benjamin Brown, William Robinson and Baba Derrick Jackson.  They were all master teachers and have a passion for educating young black men and women.

Henry was a member of numerous professional organizations to include the City Advisory Council, Eau Claire Educational Committee, Board member Eau Claire Development Council, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Past President Eau Claire Community Council, Past President College Place Community Council, Past President Alcorn Middle School PTSA and CA Johnson High School PTSA, member of the Association for the Study of Classical  African Civilizations and has written and published numerous articles and publications on African Centered topics. Henry always encouraged civic responsibility and the pursuit of education.

Henry has received numerous awards and recognitions to include:  Outstanding Young Men of America, Who’s Who Among Black Americans, Exceptional Service Award by Eau Claire Community Council and Outstanding Service Award by College Place Community Council.

On Saturday March 3, 2018, he departed this earthly life.  The vision must continue.

He leaves to cherish his memory and to honor his legacy:  His wife Rosemary A. Bracey of Columbia SC, his children Kwando Bracey of Port Huron MI, Lisa king of Port Huron MI, Anton Bracey of Phoenix AZ, and Candice Alexander of Columbia SC:  sisters, Kathy A. Bracey of Grand Rapids MI, Charlene Bracey of Grand Rapids MI, Marlene Bracey May of Columbia SC:  brothers, Charles Davis (Cillerine) of Columbia SC, Valray (Helga) Bracey of Sacramento CA, Timothy Bracey of Grand Rapids MI:  three grandchildren one great grandson, a host of special nieces and nephews, cousins, relatives and friends all of whom will miss him dearly.

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