Honoring a Trailblazer: Gilchrist Patient Clarice Brooks Recognized for a Lifetime of Service

When Gilchrist Clinical Social Worker Sarah Marshall learned about her patient Clarice Brooks’ remarkable life and groundbreaking contributions, she knew that her legacy deserved recognition. Teaming up with Baltimore Police Department’s Morgan Jones, they ensured that Ms. Brooks was honored for her decades of dedication to the community, advocacy for women, and pioneering work in law enforcement.

A Life of Service and Advocacy

At 96 years old, Clarice Brooks has lived a life dedicated to empowering women, strengthening community relations, and breaking barriers. Her journey began in 1959, when she used her talent in fashion design to support civic engagement, creating and showcasing clothing in a fashion show aimed at increasing awareness for women’s voting rights in Baltimore. Just a few years later, in 1962, her designs were featured in a Maryland League of Women’s Clubs fashion show, drawing over 2,000 women to Carver Vocational Technical High School.

Brooks’ passion for advocacy extended beyond fashion. In 1973, she was selected as a civilian community relations specialist with the Baltimore Police Department, a groundbreaking role in bridging the gap between law enforcement and citizens. Her background was impressive—she held a degree in Business Administration from Virginia State College, attended the Community College of Baltimore, and took courses at the University of Maryland for adult education. Her leadership extended to numerous social organizations, including Women’s Power Inc., BARA Associates, the YWCA, the Provident Guild, and the Virginia State Alumni Association.

That same year, Brooks made history as the only female nominee for The Baltimore Evening Sun’s Policeman of the Year award. Her contributions to police-community relations, drug abuse education, crime prevention, and officer recruitment left a lasting impact. She also organized community groups, attended countless meetings, and appeared on radio and television programs, strengthening relationships between law enforcement and the communities they served.

Brooks continued to advocate for women’s leadership, social justice, and community development throughout her career. She was a guest speaker at the Vanguard Justice Society’s annual awards dinner in 1980, where she also received their Humanitarian Award. That same year, she served as President of the Baltimore Urban League Guild, and in 1988, she was recognized as one of 100 Outstanding Black Women of Baltimore. Additionally, she held leadership roles in Top Ladies of Distinction Inc., an organization devoted to service for youth, senior citizens, and community beautification efforts.

A Well-Deserved Honor

On Monday, March 17, 2025, Clarice Brooks was honored for her groundbreaking contributions to the Baltimore Police Department and the city of Baltimore. As the first liaison between police and citizens, her efforts led to the creation of a unit dedicated to community relations.

During the ceremony, Ms. Brooks received several prestigious recognitions, including:

• A Certificate of Appreciation from the Baltimore Police Department, presented by Commissioner Worley.
• Induction as an honorary member a female mentoring program, in recognition of her service as the first African American female peace officer in Baltimore.
• A City of Baltimore Certificate of Recognition, signed by Mayor Brandon Scott on March 17, 2025.
• A certificate from the Baltimore Police Partner Program.

During the presentation, Commissioner Worley expressed his deep appreciation for Brooks’ contributions, stating, “We just want to thank you for everything that you’ve done well.”

At Gilchrist, we are honored to care for Ms. Brooks and to see her incredible legacy recognized. Her tireless advocacy, leadership, and dedication have left a lasting mark on Baltimore, its citizens, and future generations. Thank you, Sarah Marshall, for ensuring her story gets told and is not forgotten.