December 15, 1941 — May 24, 2026
Brain Steinberg, beloved Communist Party leader, passed away in Hartford on May 24 at the age of 84 surrounded by family. His beautiful and inspiring memorial service on June 12 reflected Biran's lifelong dedication to the multi-racial working class movement for equality and socialism. Filled with love, the service was packed with family, Communist, union and community leaders and activists of all ages from Hartford and across Connecticut.
His daughter Jane Steinberg called upon all present to carry on her dad's life work. “If you're not already active, find a group that you want to work with and get involved to make a better world,” she said in concludintg the service held at the Pond House in West Hartford.
Brian pioneered organizing at the grass roots neighborhood level by bringing the People's World to hundreds of families at their homes weekly across Hartford up to his last days. These routes became the basis for organizing ongoing Communist Party neighbohood clubs that have fought and won victiories including the first civilian review board at a time of intense pulice brutality against the African American and Puerto Rican communities in Hartford.
His concept of neighborhood organizing with the People's World set a new standard throughout Connecticut and nationally. An outstanding teacher, Brian brought forward the history of fascism, emphasizing the need and urgency to build a united front and protect democratic rights as part of achieving the longer term goal of socialism.
When Brian received a Special Recognition at the People's World Amistad Awards in 2022 when he turned 80, he took the opportunity to warn about rising fascism and called for unity and solidarity saying “It is now the time to continue and win more needed gains and to ensure a strong United Front in the coming elections and future.”.
Speakers at the memorial from different parts of Brian's life all recounted stories of their time with Brian, and the fun and adventures they shared.
Tom Connolly told of maintaining Brian's People's World routes while he was in the hospital, and recalled first seeing Brian as a teenager attending the famous DownBeats band concerts led by Brian on saxophone. Melvin Thomas, one of the DownBeats, told how they, as the first interracial band, helped integrate the Musicians Union at the time.
Joelle Fishman spoke of being a team with Brian for 58 years since they were asked by their mentors to help rebuild the Communist Party in Connecticut following McCarthyite repression. She described her weekly trips to Hartord from New Haven and meeting with Brian inbetween his academic schedule and precious family time.
“It was a swirl of campaigns, strikes and organizing drives, trips and conferences and fundraising parties. We called for tax the rich and people before profits when no one else would, and along with Art Perlo and others developed practical campaigns along the way.” she said to applause.
“Thank you Brian. You inspirned us with your depth of understanding, with your lifelong courage and with your constant commitment and vision for socialism.”
She concluded by remembering Broan's work in the South during Freedom Summer in 1963, announcing “we now launch Brian Steinberg Solidarity Summer to get out the vote against fascism and for a better world in 2026. We carry on in your name.”
The following Special Recognition was presented to Brian Steinberg at the People's World Amistad Awards 2022:
BRIAN STEINBERG
On the 103rd anniversary of the Communist Party USA
This special recognition honors your lifelong, unwavering commitment to equality and a better world. Your dedication to bring leadership forward from multi-racial working class communities and your understanding of the need to build unity against fascism has fortified the struggle for a sustainable future free from exploitation, racism and war. You are beloved for your staunch passion for justice, for all you teach, and for the countless lives you have touched to create a strong Communist Party USA and affirm the hope and vision that socialism is both possible and necessary. Your devotion to the People's World as an organizing tool has inspired weekly door to door routes across Connecticut and beyond. Your outstanding contributions and collective work are a model for all champions determined to win People, Peace and Planet before Profits.
Presented at the Dixwell Q House
December 10, 2022
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