Brookline for Racial Justice & Equity mourns the passing of Gerald Alston, Jr., whose courage exposed deep-rooted racial injustice in the Town of Brookline.

Gerald’s ordeal began with a racist voicemail from a superior and extended over years of retaliation and institutional denial. His persistence forced our community to confront truths many sought to ignore.

After years of advocacy, BRJE was proud to co-author an amicus brief in his case before the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, which unanimously sided with Gerald. As we said then, “Racist policies have a cost, and only by forcing governmental bodies to bear that cost can we encourage them to dismantle those policies.”

The town’s eventual $11 million settlement with Gerald following a formal apology by Town Meeting was a rare acknowledgment of wrongdoing, but no amount of money could repair the harm to Gerald’s dignity, mental and physical health, or trust in the institutions that failed him.

Gerald’s life and struggle stand as a stark reminder that racism in Brookline is not history — it is a present-day challenge requiring courage, accountability, and sustained action. We urge Brookline’s elected leaders to ensure that no other worker, resident, or visitor must fight for fairness or safety in this town.

BRJE remains committed to advancing the systemic changes Gerald’s case demands — including stronger anti-discrimination policies, independent oversight, and comprehensive and enforceable racial equity policies that move beyond symbolic gestures like signs and statements.

As we mourn Gerald’s passing and grieve with his family, we honor his perseverance and his unwillingness to be silenced. His pursuit of justice and the fierce resistance he faced must not be forgotten. Let this be a moment of rededication to the work of racial justice in Brookline and beyond.

Rest in Power, Gerald.

In sorrow and solidarity,

Brookline for Racial Justice & Equity (BRJE)