When newly elected Onondaga County Legislator Maurice "Mo" Brown '17 wanted to bring his supporters together for a ceremonial swearing-in ceremony, there was only once place where he wanted the event to be held. "OCC is my home. It's the reason I originally came to Syracuse, and it's the reason I stayed. The partnerships I've fostered, the friendships I've built, none of it would have been possible without OCC. I've met mentors, friends, and students all of whom worked to create the person I am today. I'm a lifetime OCC Lazer."
Last month, Brown was chosen to represent the Onondaga County Legislature's 15th District, winning the open seat by a wide margin. It's the latest chapter in his success story which had a rocky beginning. More than a decade ago the Brooklyn native began his higher education journey at a four-year school. He had dreams of eventually ascending from collegiate to professional football. But after a semester filled with missed classes, he was out of school and out of financial aid.
After examining his options, Brown decided to try Onondaga Community College. While working toward a degree in Communication Studies he was a member of the Politics Club, the Black Student Union, and dabbled in the world of Stand-Up Comedy. He was also a delegate to 2016 Presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, and served as a United States Army Reservist. He was on track to graduate from OCC in December 2016 when he was activated for duty and sent to the military prison in Guantanamo Bay. He would spend 8 months there before returning to OCC and completing his final semester in 2017.
Brown would transfer to Syracuse University and earn his bachelor's degree in 2019. He remained active in politics and, in 2020 was campaign manager for Anna Kelles of Trumansburg's successful run for the New York State Assembly's 125th District seat.
In 2021 he returned to OCC as a Success Coach, helping students in the School of Liberal Arts. Brown also coordinated the Extraordinary Men of Distinction (EMOD) program which he found to be extremely rewarding for both them and him. "Being able to work with young men of color, and to help them on their path towards their goals, to watch them grow, and continue to grow has been the joy of a lifetime. I think my success is largely in part to how they helped me grow as a communicator and a leader."
Those experiences, both as a student and as an advisor to students, are what brought Brown to OCC's Storer Auditorium for his ceremonial swearing-in, officiated by Syracuse City Court Judge Shadia Tadros. Among the more than 150 supporters in attendance were former and current students in the EMOD Program, family members, various political officials, and OCC staff and students. Brown pledged to work hard on two issues which are critical to both OCC students and community members. "Students biggest struggles aren't with calculus or history. They are with transportation and housing. Those issues our students face and our entire community faces need to be addressed from a legislative standpoint."
Next month Brown will attend his first meeting as an Onondaga County Legislator, and he'll do so with a deep appreciation for his first alma mater. "OCC is one of the best things our community offers. The ability to get yourself oriented to being a college student so you can go on and experience success is so crucial. I came to OCC in 2015 as a college dropout turned U.S. Army Reservist. Not even 10 years later, with the help of OCC and the people I've met through college, I'm going to be serving as the youngest elected official in the Onondaga County Legislature. I hope my story inspires others to not limit themselves. You can truly do anything you set your mind to as part of the OCC family. Together we will do incredible things for our community."
