(Photo courtesy of MOHAI 86.5.16852)

My Neighbor & Dear Friend

In 1996, I met Emanuel "EJ" Brisker, who was in his 50s, in an elevator of our Queen Anne apartment building, along with my roommates. Within moments of meeting us all, he gave us nicknames.,.mine was "Tornado." The nicknames were spot on and described what he intuitively sensed about us.

EJ was not only one of of the most intuitive people that I have ever met, he was also one of the most well read articulate, and persistent people I have known. Eventually, I learned about his amazing past...

EJ Brisker Jr. was one of Seattle's most influential Civil Rights and Black Power leaders in our community during the late 1960's and 1970's.

He was born in St. Louis, Missouri on July 18, 1943 and passed away on September 21st, 2023. He was 80 years old.

EJ was a storied leader of the Black Power movement in our community and at the University of Washington. He was the Chair Of the Seattle Chapter of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) in 1967. In 1968 he became the revered and respected and very influential and charismatic President of the University of Washington Black Student Union, and the next year, he was the first brother selected by the Black Panther Party to run for 37th District State Legislature under the Panther Party label. He was also a stalwart intellectual, in 1969 he gave a speech to the faculty Senate at the University of Washington on "Why we need Black Studies," a brilliant speech that is still quoted in order to counteract the attacks on "Critical Race Theory."

His funeral and celebration of life ceremony will be held on Friday, October 20th, 11:00 am at the First African Methodist Episcopal Church, 1552 14th Ave, Seattle. Everyone is welcome to come and join his family and friends giving honor, and paying homage to the contributions EJ made to our community back in the day.

Finally, we are asking folks who can to make a financial donation to help us cover EJ's funeral expenses by either giving at this GoFundMe page or by sending a check or money order offering assistance to:

Emanuel J. Brisker Jr. Memorial Fund

Post Office Box 1811

Edmonds, Washington 98020-1811

or contact [email redacted]

Cost breakdown:

Transport/Prep/certificates 2K

Plot & open and closing 8K

Install/Tax/Processing 2K

Plaque + install and tax 2.2K

Church, Paster, Food for attendees - TBD

Thank you kindly for your support!

Ev

EJ's friend and health advocate in his later years