Towns has been described as an icon and a living legend. Originally from Chadbourn, NC, he moved to Brooklyn in 1958 after serving in the U.S. Army and paying a visit to Kings County.
During his tenure as congressmember, Towns, who represented historically Black neighborhoods including Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brownsville, East New York and Crown Heights, was known for his focus on urban issues, including improving his constituents’ access to affordable housing, education, healthcare and economic development. Currently, Towns is a special adviser for Liakas Law, PC.
Towns told the Brooklyn Eagle that for Adams to recognize him at the end of his mayoral tenure means a great deal. “I want to express thanks to the mayor and his staff for this,” Towns said. “I’m excited and humbled.”
At 91 years old, Towns shows no signs of slowing down. When asked what he attributes his atypical energy and vibrancy to, the nonagenarian smiled and stated: “I guess I’ve taken pretty good care of myself.”
“I feel strongly about giving back to the community and helping people, and I’m so glad that I’ve been able to do that on behalf of the people of Brooklyn,” Towns said. “Brooklyn has been extremely good to me.”
Towns is currently working on his second book, titled, “Harvesting the Power.” It will cover Towns’ life and the people he has had an opportunity to meet and work with, he said.
Adams called Towns “pure and honest from the inside out with an unbelievable heart.”
“He set a pathway for all of those congressional leaders from communities of color all over the globe,” Adams said.