Obituary of Tracy Brown

Born and raised in Staten Island, NY, Tracy Brown was an author, poet, playwright, and screenwriter with a passion for the art of storytelling. She has authored eleven novels, which have graced the bestsellers’ lists of publications such as Essence magazine and USA Today. She was a celebrity biographer, ghostwriter, and a visionary. Tracy also worked full time for the past twenty years in the field of Finance. With extensive experience in legal billing, Tracy had worked with some of the top corporate and litigation attorneys in New York City. Her writing career began in 2003 with the publication of her first novel “Black” via indie publisher Triple Crown Publications. She joined St. Martin’s Press (Macmillan) in 2005. With St. Martin’s Press, she has released nine novels. She has contributed to two anthologies and was nominated for the Newbery Medal for young readers. Tracy has written and directed two stage plays entitled “Brand New” (2016) and “Redeemed” (2017). She has ghost written novels and memoirs for a number of celebrity collaborators. She adapted a film script into an accompanying novel for one such celebrity collaborator in conjunction with St. Martin’s Press. Tracy was the 2017 recipient of a proclamation from the New York City Council in honor of her outstanding service and enduring contributions to the community. She was the recipient of a citation for exemplary service from the New York State Senate’s 20th District; the 2017 awardee of a certificate of honor from the New York City Public Advocate’s office; and the 2013 recipient of the Humanitarian Award from the National Council of Negro Women. Tracy volunteered as the instructor of a creative writing course for young ladies in a correctional environment of the New York State foster care system. She has also taught scholars at Staten Island’s charter school “Eagle Academy”. She was the Director of the nonprofit organization We Are Ladies First LTD (dba “Ladies First”), an organization that is on a mission to inform, inspire, and empower young women in urban communities. Ladies First provides an undergraduate scholarship, mentorship, sponsors young women to attend tours to historically black colleges and universities, and hosts financial planning and career readiness workshops. Tracy’s motto has always been DREAM BIG! And she continued to do just that until her final day. Tracy is survived by her three children, Ashley, Quaviel, Justin, her three grandchildren and her mother.