ILA Mourns Loss of Edward L. Brown, Sr.

Edward L. Brown Sr., who led the International Longshoremen's Association in Hampton Roads, died Feb. 5 at 83.

International Longshoremen's Association--One of the prestigious ILA figures, Edward L. Brown Sr. of Hampton Roads, Virginia, died of complications from cancer February 5, 2010.

Mr. Brown began his ILA career when he joined ILA Local 1248 in 1956, and spent 18 years as the local's president. Mr. Brown was later elected to the ACD Executive Board in 1983 and in 1987 to the ILA Executive Council as a Vice President representing the Port of Hampton Roads in Virginia. He continued to hold both positions until his death.

During this time he also served as a trustee on various committees. He also championed civil rights and social and economic justice. In addition, he also played a role in the establishment of MILA. Mr. Brown was also active in his community, in local and national politics and his church. He was elected three times to represent Virginia at the Democratic National Conventions and was proactive in recruiting and encouraging people to fulfill their civic duties.

Information on funeral arrangements were not available at press time.