‘A truly pivotal figure’: Remembering Queens trailblazer Guy Brewer

Late Assemblymember Guy R. Brewer represented Southeast Queens in Albany and helped develop political power in Southeast Queens. Photo via Assembly.

By David Brand

The predominantly Black communities of Southeast Queens comprise one of the most influential voting blocs in the United States — a key constituency for anyone running for citywide office, as well as state and federal positions.

Many leaders, organizers and everyday residents have helped develop that power, but one particular person laid the crucial groundwork during his rise in politics more than 50 years ago.

Guy R. Brewer, the namesake of a busy Jamaica street and a crucial Democratic club, was the first African American elected to state office in Queens. The iconic local leader moved from Manhattan to Queens in the 1940s and helped grow the political power in the Southeast portion of the borough, bringing others into politics and bringing funding into his district.

“He had a significant impact on politics in Queens because he was one of the original leaders in developing a Black political base and presence in Queens,” said State Sen. Leroy Comrie, a protege of Brewer’s protege — and sometimes rival — Archie Spigner.

Brewer’s wife Marie Brown Brewer also served as a district leader and key organizer in Queens.

“He along with his wife and a few other people were the first people in Southeast Queens to organize in a major way and to develop a political entity here,” Comrie added.

In addition to his work on the ground in Queens, Brewer was the first African-American to serve as the assembly’s majority whip during his tenure from 1969 until his death in 1978. 

He led the successful opposition to a plan to build an industrial facility at Springfield Park in Springfield Gardens and championed open admissions at CUNY schools. 

“He was truly a pivotal figure in making opportunities for minorities in politics in Southeast Queens,” Comrie said.