[Editor’s Note: Peace is on the horizon. For 32 years, two prominent black community activists, Chef Basil Kimbrew, commentator, and former Compton Mayor Omar Bradley, have fiercely feuded, publicly and privately, over all matters political. “We wanted the same results, but we had different styles, different ways of getting there,” Mr. Kimbrew said. “Omar was known as The Gangster Man. I am a thinker. Let’s sit down and work it out.” Over the weekend, Mr. Kimbrew Facebooked Mr. Bradley with a very public olive branch, extended below after Mr. Bradley’s life dramatically elevated to a new plateau.]
A Message to Omar Bradley
From Chef Basil
Mr. Bradley, I read your article (Saturday). It was very moving. Our battle from the past is over. Let’s move to rebuild together.
I look forward to shaking your hand in public, to show the world that two past old enemies since 1984, can still work together.
Finally, both of our lives have changed over the years. If at any time in the past I have offended you or your family, I humbly apologize.
Chef Basil, Army Veteran
By Omar Bradley
Yesterday on the ninth floor of the Downtown Criminal Courts Building, after four straight years of hearings, five different Public Defenders, three different prosecutors and over 40 trips back and forth to court, the Honorable Judge Lomeli ruled that the “Prosecution did not present enough evidence to bound me (Omar Bradley) over for trial on conflict of interest charges,” charges stemming from the already overturned case of misappropriation of funds charged against me over twelve years ago. Accordingly, yesterday’s decision stands as the end of another arduous battle that took four years to overcome. And, at this point, while I could spend time pointing out those who are responsible for my persecution, I would rather like to thank God, and his Messiah, Jesus Christ, for the victory. Additionally, l wish to thank my parents, Henry and Overlmar Bradley, who both gave me the strength to resist injustice no matter how long it takes; without a doubt, it was their instruction and steadfast example that taught me how to stand, even if I had to stand alone.
I would also like to thank my family, both immediate and otherwise, who did whatever was necessary to deliver me from the hands of Pharaoh. This includes my brothers, Alfred, Henry and Ronnie, as well as my sisters, Linda and Ann. Then, I want to thank my wife, Robin, and my son and daughter, Omar and Jasmine. Believe it or not, my children, I fought so that your names might be free of blemish. I can only hope you will fight for the same results. Additionally, I would like to recognize and honor all of my friends who, in no small manner, helped me to survive this four-year leg of a sixteen-year prosecution, by giving from their pockets, the vital resources that I could not provide for myself. Please know, whatever you gave me, no matter how great or small, my heart, mind, spirit and soul, is eternally thankful. For when God gives a man manna from heaven, it most often comes from the hands of the Godly men and women who He has preselected through love. That precious few, moved by Godly concern, will come to the rescue of the saints that are in need. I was in need, and I saw so many of you come and give that at this very moment, my eyes run with tears. These tears, that flow from my eyes, blurring my vision, have made me see clearly, how blessed I am that you loved me enough to give. Now, with one case left, I look forward to God’s continued blessings, and the day that my life, once again, is free to dream, build and grow the world it yearns to see: A Compton that is fully imbued with all the hope of the elders who strived to make it possible for young black boys to dream of being THE MAYOR OF COMPTON. Does this mean I will run? NO! However, it does mean that I will fight anyone who denies young black men the opportunity to live in a free society no matter how long it takes, and no matter what it takes!
For in the final analysis, the question has been asked and answered as to whether there was a man from Compton who would fight even the greatest giants, and against all odds so that the people he loves might be free. The answer is, hell, yes.
