Brothers from Another Mother

Reginald “Reggie” Blaylock

To my sister Lena Kennedy: Thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts of the wonderful relationship I shared with your brother, my best friend John J. Kennedy. I met John at McKinley Junior High School during our eighth grade year. I didn’t have much contact with him there, as John was in the advanced classes (go figure). After junior high school, John and I attended Blair High School together. I remember John coming out to play on the freshman football team. John had a tough physical appearance and it showed in the way he hit guys during practice and during games. Although I spent the next four years with John at Blair, we rarely spoke as John was hanging out with the smart kids under the cafeteria shading, and I was hanging with “wannabe” cool kids in the hallway while listening to my boom box that I carried around with me. Despite living only two blocks from one another, John and I didn’t really connect until we were in our early twenties. One day, I was out washing my car, and John was passing by after visiting “Pop” Kennedy. John stopped and started a conversation about my 320i BMW. He then asked me if he could drive my car. Well, that conversation started a friendship that lasted for the past 40 years.

As some may know, residing in Northwest Pasadena meant there were many family challenges and obstacles for us to overcome. John was the one from our pocket of Northwest Pasadena who took on the challenge to show young Black males that they could achieve higher goals than those of our parents. Although I wasn’t as studious as John, John’s attendance at the University of Southern California inspired me to attend Pasadena City College. I can’t tell you how many research papers I did in school, and then at the last possible moment I would call John and tell him I was bringing over my report so that he could give it that USC look. I could always count on him to come through –that was John!

I had the opportunity to go to Washington, D.C. with my mother to see John graduate from Howard University. We were both very proud to see our John graduate from such a prestigious Black University and we also enjoyed the opportunity to see the White House!

But it wasn’t just me whom John inspired to help. I remember when he told me he was running to become president of the local NAACP. John believed he needed to do more to help the Black and brown communities of Pasadena, and to make sure our Black history wasn’t erased. He also needed me to donate $500 to his campaign (geez). Oh, that was John – never shy to ask for a donation or to help a good cause as he would so often say.

John was the influencer who planted the seed and guided me to become a police officer. As I mentioned, there were many obstacles young Black males had to hurdle to come out of Northwest Pasadena. My struggles weren’t self-created, but rather shaped by family history. John went to bat for me when so many doors were closed to me because of the action of others in my family. My boy John diligently knocked on doors for me until my mately, I spent 30 years in a career he helped me attain.

As I look back now, John and I shared some good fun time together – whether it be in person or simply talking over the phone. Oh, one other thing, John was an avid writer in college. I recently shared with him some of the letters he would open up with scripture, he wanted me to stay bonded to our Savior.

I probably said a lot, but there’s so much more I can say about my best friend, my brother John J. Kennedy. John worked hard to enrich the lives of so many, and he will surely be missed by those he touched. I love you John J. Kennedy.

Message from brother Reggie at John’s Surprise 60th birthday celebration

Subject: Happy 60th Birthday to my brother JJK.

From: REGINALD BLAYLOCK

Date: Fri, May 07, 2021 6:03 pm

Unfortunately, I can’t attend the city wide celebration as we have plans to be doing what our brother loved doing the most; traveling. My wife and I will be in Egypt… I will remember my brother in prayer from the “Valley of the Kings.”

Happy 60th Birthday to my brother JJK. Thank you John for walking around the corner to 500 West Pepper Street, some 40 years past and starting a lasting friendship with your future brother. Thank you for breaking bread with my family at 500 West Pepper Street. Although we came from a different set of parents, our friendship forged us to become brothers . You are the brother who encouraged me to serve others. I hope I made you proud. Thank you for being a true-true friend, and the best brother God could’ve given me.... I truly thank God for you!...... I love my little brother! Happy 60th!