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THE FAMILY BUSINESS
Four Generations of One Black Family's Artistic Odyssey
Wren T. Brown
Discover The Family Business from Hollywood, to Broadway to music venues around the world: A Celebration of Black Artistic Achievement.
In a time when diversity and inclusion in entertainment are more crucial than ever, The Family Business shines as a beacon of inspiration. Authored by esteemed actor, director, and producer Wren T. Brown, this lavishly illustrated book chronicles the remarkable story of the Young and Brown families—a lineage that has significantly influenced American culture and the arts for over a century.
Delve into a rich tapestry of history, personal narratives, and striking visuals that capture the essence of perseverance, particularly during the era of Jim Crow. This book is not merely a chronicle; it's an unapologetic tribute to the resilience and talent of Black artists who have bravely carved out their space in the entertainment industry.
With an extensive collection of rare and never-before-seen photographs and memorabilia drawn from Wren T. Brown's personal archives, The Family Business serves as both a family scrapbook and a cultural artifact, illuminating the critical contributions of Black artistry and its enduring impact.
The Family Business is more than just a book; it's an essential addition to the African American theatrical and literary canon, destined to be a cherished coffee table centerpiece that sparks conversation and admiration for years to come. Whether you’re a lover of theater, music, film, or history, The Family Business is a vital part of our shared history waiting to be explored. Purchase your copy today.
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Wynton Marsalis
“…This absolutely, singular memoir … [The Family Business] illuminates [Wren T. Brown’s] family’s unusual, colorful and symbolic history at the forefront of American culture, education and entertainment through an unprecedented four generations.”
Leslie Odom, Jr.
“…This paper museum memorializing an American family’s triumphs amid the terrifying odds, this record of Black ingenuity and continuity, fills me with [pride]. It is a wonder what we’ve been able to build as Black creatives within these United States.”
LaTanya &
Samuel L. Jackson
"Wren Troy Brown's commanding documentation of his extraordinary family's legacy in the arts, is a potent source of historical magic which is as astonishing in its occurrence as is his erudite and entertaining telling of it. This book is beautiful power."
Through the Lens: Images from "The Family Business"
About the Author
Wren T. Brown is an actor, producer, director, and a fourth generation Angeleno.
At 17, after performing a poem by Paul Laurence Dunbar and landing a national commercial, Wren decided to formally enter the family business. A versatile actor with a deep melodious voice, Wren has appeared on screen in “Hollywood Shuffle,” “Beyond the Lights,” “Waiting to Exhale,” “Heart and Souls,” “Under Siege 2, ” and “Edmond.”
Some of Brown’s television appearances include: “Whoopi,” “Flipper: The New Adventures.” “Bless This House,” “Half & Half,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” ”The Orville,” “Star Trek: Voyager,” “Touched by an Angel,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “The Simpsons,” “Everybody Hates Chris,” “Frasier,” “Seinfeld,” and “A Different World.”
Wren’s voice can be heard narrating: The History Channel’s “U.S.S. Constellation: Battling For Freedom,” “E! True Hollywood Story” on the life of Diana Ross and “Bronzeville.”
His stage appearances include: “As You Like It,” “On Borrowed Time,” “Burning Hope,” and “The Gospel at Colonus.” He has directed “Fences,” “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill,” “Blues In the Night,” “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” and “The World Goes Round.”
Wren is the founder and producing artistic director of Ebony Repertory Theatre, Los Angeles’ only African American professional theatre company. He lives in Los Angeles.
© 2025 The Family Business
Permissions: Every effort has been made to properly credit all photographers and copyright holders of the photographs and images contained in this book and on the website. All photographs and documents are from the Brown Family Collection, except where noted. Images used by permission only.