Earl Best facts for kids

Earl Best (born December 26, 1947 – died December 27, 2021) was a special person known as the "Street Doctor". He was a community organizer who helped many poor people in Newark, New Jersey. After spending time in prison, he worked hard to make a difference. He started an organization called Street Warriors in 2003. From 2011 until he passed away in 2021, Earl Best taught about nonviolence. He also gave blankets, food, and other supplies to people in need, using his van and walking around the city.

About Earl Best

Earl Best grew up in the South Ward of Newark. He spent 17 years in prison, including ten years where he was held alone. During this time, he studied many spiritual books, psychology, and law. He hoped that if he was released, he could help others. In an interview from 2011, he said, "I wanted to make a difference in kids' lives because no one made a difference in mine."

He was released from prison in 2000. Within three years, he created the Street Warriors organization with other people who had also been in trouble. This group had many helpful programs. They offered a summer program for young people and provided mentoring for teenagers living in public housing. They also had programs to teach about gangs and help people avoid them. The organization even had sports activities, like a boxing club and a basketball team. For a while, Street Warriors had its own center, but it closed because they couldn't get enough money to keep it going. After that, Earl Best continued his good work using a van that was given to him.

Helping People on the Streets

Earl Best often carried things like blankets and food in his van. He would give these items to homeless people or those asking for help. He believed that people feel more relaxed after they eat. He would stay and talk with them after giving out donations. He said, "Peace is about being relaxed, and you know what, food relaxes people. You don't see people frowning when they eat. Food is peace."

He delivered food to many places, including empty buildings, places where people asked for money, prisons, and schools. Earl Best said that part of his work was to give people "food for the mind and for the heart." He taught people about peace. He would tell young people to call him first if they ever thought about doing something wrong. He also organized fun activities, like a beach trip for 60 teenagers to celebrate Father's Day.

Awards and Recognition

Earl Best received several awards for his work. He was mentioned in news stories about crime and peace in Newark. In 2008, GQ Magazine honored him at an event in New York City. He received an award from the actor Forest Whitaker. In 2009, Earl Best spoke at the funeral of Yusuf Shabazz, another activist who worked against violence.

He also learned how to edit films from a group called Aspira. He started making films about how to stop gang violence. In May 2011, Earl Best was a special speaker at the Newark Peace Education Summit. This was a big meeting about nonviolence that also included the Dalai Lama.

His Passing

Earl Best passed away on December 27, 2021, at the age of 74. He had been battling cancer for a long time. His death was announced the next day. He is remembered by his son, sisters, nieces, and nephews. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka shared a tribute, saying that "A lot of people benefited from his road to self-improvement and his road to self-discovery." A memorial service was held on January 14, 2022, and he was buried at the Fairmount Cemetery in Newark.

Quote

I have met people from all over the world that touched me, and asked me, 'Street Doctor, what does peace mean to you?' And this is what it means to me: Proper education. Always correct errors.