San Diego Celebrates Brian Bennett Day

Blogs, Letters & Testimonials

June 20, 2007

Democrats for Education Reform was on hand to honor a living legend on Tuesday, as the San Diego City Council and Mayor Jerry Sanders officially declared it “Brian Bennett Day” in the city.

This story from the San Diego Union Tribune from early May describes the situation. Bennett is a nationally-known education reformer and social activist (he ended up in the Watts race riots, was once arrested trying to desegregate a recreation center, campaigned for Robert F. Kennedy and was at the Ambassador Hotel when the senator was shot and killed, eventually became a strong supporter of school choice, etc.)

A year ago, Bennett, who is one of the sharpest/funniest people I’ve ever met, was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease, which has robbed him of his quick tongue and sturdy stature, but hasn’t slowed his mind. He continues to work for the National Association of Charter School Authorizers.