Brad Pye Jr. facts for kids

Brad Pye Jr. (born June 11, 1931 – died July 5, 2020) was an important American sports journalist and broadcaster. He was also a community leader in Los Angeles. Brad Pye Jr. made history as the first recognized African-American sportswriter in Southern California. He was also the first African-American scout for the Los Angeles/San Diego Chargers football team. He used his position to speak up for equal opportunities and recognition for African-American athletes and journalists.

Brad Pye Jr.'s Early Life

Brad Pye Jr. was born in Plain Dealing, Louisiana, on June 11, 1931. When he was just 12 years old, he moved to Los Angeles by himself. He lived on Central Avenue and took care of himself for four years. Later, his mother joined him in Los Angeles. He went to Jefferson High School. To support himself, he worked many jobs, like shining shoes, working at a gas station, and in a factory.

Brad Pye Jr.'s Career in Sports and Community

Brad Pye Jr. was a sports director for several big African-American radio stations. These included KGFJ, KACE, KDAY, and KJLH. He also worked as the sports editor for the Los Angeles Sentinel newspaper for almost 30 years. He wrote sports columns for other local newspapers too, like the L.A. Watts Times.

In 1961, Brad Pye Jr. became the first African-American public relations staff member in Major League Baseball. He worked for the Los Angeles Angels baseball team. He was also the first African-American administrator in the American Football League. He worked under Commissioner Al Davis.

Besides his work in sports, Brad Pye Jr. was very active in the Government of Los Angeles County. He worked for the county government for 24 years. In 1987, he started as a deputy for county supervisor Kenneth Hahn. A deputy helps a supervisor with their daily tasks and projects. Just three months later, he was promoted to assistant chief deputy.

After Kenneth Hahn, Yvonne Brathwaite Burke became the county supervisor in 1992. Brad Pye Jr. worked as a top deputy for her. With her help, he started a program to give free swimming lessons to kids all year round. This program is still running today and is called the Aquatic Foundation of Metropolitan Los Angeles.

In 1993, Brad Pye Jr. became a division chief for the Department of Children and Family Services. He also helped make sure the county followed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This act helps people with disabilities have equal opportunities. He managed different sections, including disaster services and health and safety. Brad Pye Jr. also volunteered a lot in Los Angeles. He was the first African-American president of the L.A. Department of Recreation and Parks Board of Commissioners.

Brad Pye Jr.'s Lasting Legacy

Brad Pye Jr. helped open doors for many African-Americans. Because of his work, more African-Americans were able to get important jobs in Los Angeles city and county government. In 2015, the City of Los Angeles honored him. They named the gymnasium at Saint Andrews Recreation Center the Brad Pye Jr. Athletic Center. This was to celebrate his big impact on the city and its people. His important papers and records are kept at California State University, Northridge.

Brad Pye Jr.'s Family and Passing

Brad Pye Jr. was married to Eunice Prye. They had five children: four daughters named Jill, Jenice, Jan, and Sharee, and one son named Brad III. Sadly, both his wife and his son passed away before him.

Brad Pye Jr. died peacefully in his sleep on July 5, 2020. He was at his home in Los Angeles and was 89 years old. He was buried at Inglewood Park Cemetery on July 22, 2020.