Peter LaBrie Jr.'s Obituary
Peter LaBrie, Jr. was born in Palmetto, Louisiana, and moved to California at the age of three, growing up in West Oakland and Hayward. He graduated from Hayward High School and earned his bachelor’s degree in Political Science and his master’s degree in City Planning from University of California, Berkeley.
A brilliant thinker, teacher, and public servant, Peter went on to teach African American Studies, Geography, and City Planning during his academic career at University of California, Berkeley, California State University, Hayward, and Hampton University. As a city planner, he contributed to the development of the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) in Atlanta and later served as a Senior Planner with the City and County of San Francisco, with additional work supporting community development efforts in Oakland. Throughout his career, he remained deeply committed to understanding the relationship between culture, public policy, and community life at the local, national, and international levels. Peter was also the author of Eyes on the Camera: Western Culture, Black Culture, and Future Civilization.
Peter was deeply intellectual and philosophical, with a playful and teasing sense of humor that often left people laughing. He loved reading, writing, coffee, and thoughtful conversation, and especially enjoyed spending time in cafés talking about culture, politics, and world events.
A gifted writer and guide, Peter generously helped family, friends, and many others with college applications, essays, letters, appeals, and all kinds of written work. He had a remarkable ability to help people express themselves clearly and confidently.
Above all, Peter’s children and grandchildren were the center of his life and brought him his greatest joy and pride. Though he preferred quiet moments and smaller gatherings, he formed deep and lasting connections with those around him and leaves behind a legacy of thoughtfulness, mentorship, and love.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Peter LaBrie, Sr. and Beatrice (Frank) LaBrie; his brothers, Huey LaBrie, Abdul Sabry, and Aubrey LaBrie; and his sister, Shawishi Monroe.
He is survived by his children, Jalilah LaBrie and Césaire LaBrie; the mother of his children, Rita LaBrie; his grandchildren, Khayra Anthonio, Aria LaBrie, and Ismail Anthonio; his godson, Maurice Pitts; his sisters, Maydell Brandyburg and Naomi Bagby; and his brother, Archie Van Dyne. He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and dear friends.
CELEBRATION OF LIFE:
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 9th in Emeryville. Please send an email to [email protected] for further details.
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