Apr 27 2024
EP 141 JEAN-PIERRE BRICE
Jean-Pierre Brice, more affectionately known as "Uncle P" in his Chester, PA community, carries a story of transformation that mirrors the very essence of human resilience and hope. His journey began amidst the vibrant hustle of Brooklyn, New York, on the 22nd of December in 1979, but his narrative quickly relocated to the close-knit streets of Chester, where the roots of his family tree would deepen and where he would eventually find his true calling.
The early chapters of Uncle P's life were marked by poignant loss. The passing of his father, Jean-Pierre, in 1992, was a profound blow to the family, leaving young Uncle P and his then four-year-old sister, Arielle-Marie, in a world suddenly bereft of paternal guidance. The fabric of his life would endure further rending with the loss of his Uncle Lamont A. Givens Esq. in 2002, a man whose wisdom and teachings instilled in Uncle P a strong sense of integrity and the stoic code, "If you choose this life, you keep your mouth shut." These words would later echo in the halls of his memory, serving as a somber reminder during his most challenging times.
As if the tapestry of his life hadn't been tested enough, the death of his guiding light, his grandmother Delia Johnson, in 2005, cast a long shadow over his spirit. Yet, it was the memory of her unwavering strength and the enduring love of his mother, Deborah J. Brice, that would eventually lead him toward the light. Supported by his Aunt Bernadette Givens and his god sister, Kenya Isaac—both pillars of strength and wisdom in their own right—Uncle P began to piece back together the fragments of his once shattered world.
In 2007, Uncle P found himself within the daunting walls of SCI Dallas, a place that would challenge him to his core but also serve as a crucible for change. It was there, amidst the quiet introspection and the solitude of his cell, that Uncle P decided his past would not define his future. With the memory of his father's and uncle's lessons whispering to him, he resolved to forge a new legacy—one of positivity, resilience, and community upliftment.
Emerging from SCI Dallas imbued with a newfound determination, Uncle P sought the healing power of therapy in 2016. It was a pivotal year that marked the beginning of his rebirth and a journey toward inner peace. Therapy unlocked the shackles of his inner sixteen-year-old, the boy who had never fully grieved his father's death, and freed the man ready to embrace his second chance.
In 2017, with the clarity and passion of a man reborn, Uncle P launched CMPRadio.Net, an internet radio station that would become a beacon of unity and hope in Chester. This venture was more than a business; it was the embodiment of Uncle P's desire to give back to the community that had seen him through his darkest hours. His subsequent professional endeavors—as a Community Resource Manager at the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office and a Community Program Manager at PA Humanities—were not mere titles but were manifestations of his commitment to serve, to empower, and to bridge gaps within his community.
The role of fatherhood took on a new meaning for Uncle P as he raised his seven children—Taylor, Pilar, Jean-Pierre II, Zaria, Jurnie, Janai, and Jordyn—with the intention to pass down the values and lessons that his father, uncle, grandmother, and mother had instilled in him. He became a living testament to the virtues of community, resilience, and the enduring power of a positive outlook.
Today, Uncle P stands as a symbol of hope in Chester, his life a rich narrative that continues to inspire and encourage. His story, from the challenges of Brooklyn to the triumphs in Chester, from the reflective solitude of SCI Dallas to the bustling airwaves of CMPRadio.Net, serves as a powerful testament to the fact that life's trials do not define us; rather, it is how we respond to them that shapes our legacy. It's a story that Uncle P proudly shares, a story that resonates with the beats of perseverance, love, and an unwavering commitment to others—a story that assures us all that it is never too late to change the narrative and make a difference in the world.
Watch the interview video HERE
