Remembering Co-Founder Lucy J. Brown: A Legacy of Love and Dedication

Posted Feb 10, 2025

INHS is heartbroken to announce the passing of co-founder Ms. Lucy J. Brown at the age of 91 on Sunday, February 9.

Ms. Lucy, as she was enduringly called, was a fierce and passionate advocate for racial justice, educational equity, and affordable housing, dedicating her life to championing social equity and justice in Ithaca.

A centerpiece of her career was as a co-founder of INHS, an organization that has successfully provided quality housing for people of modest means for 50 years. Lucy played a crucial role in the nonprofit’s growth and its commitment to affordable housing, particularly in Ithaca’s Southside neighborhood. She served on the INHS Board of Directors from 1977 to 2016.

Lucy’s passion for systemic and institutional change led her to serve on various boards, including the Ithaca City School District, the Ithaca Housing Authority, the City’s Board of Public Works, and the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency. While working at Cornell University, Lucy counseled countless young students of color, leaving a lasting impact on their lives. Committee members Constance Graham, Leslyn McBean-Clairborne, and Johanna Anderson have shared numerous personal insights into Ms. Lucy’s influence and accomplishments, portraying her as a woman of unparalleled impact whose contributions to Ithaca are profound and enduring.

Beyond any title or position, Lucy J. Brown was a lifelong agent of change, a constant advocate for those marginalized, and a respected presence in decision-making processes.

In August 2024, Lucy was honored with a commemorative statue for her contributions to Ithaca, a community she helped shape. She attended the celebration, allowing us at INHS to express our gratitude for her dedication and sacrifice.

The morning after Lucy’s passing, before the announcement was made, the INHS Executive Director found her statue wrapped in a blanket, a touching tribute from the community that has continued to celebrate her legacy since the statue’s installation. Also, this past week, INHS recognized Lucy’s legacy in honor of Black History Month.

Thank you doesn’t seem to cover the gratefulness we feel for Ms. Lucy. Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and the community as we mourn this great loss.

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