Background

Leslie Calvin Brown, who was given the nickname “Les” as a child, was born on February 17, 1946. He and his twin brother, Wesley, were adopted by Mamie Brown, a 38-year old single woman who was a cafeteria attendant and domestic assistant. Les’ mother had very little education, but encouraged learning in her sons. When talking about his background, one of the inspirational quotes used by Les is that “we are all born with a certain degree of power. The key to success is discovering this innate power and using it daily to deal with whatever challenges come your way.” Les also says that “just because Fate doesn’t deal you the right cards, it doesn’t mean you should give up. It means you have to play the cards you get to their maximum potential.”

Challenges

He and his brother, Wesley, were born in an abandoned building in a low-income section of Miami, Florida.