Remembering 'Brother Kevin': A Lesson On True Brotherhood

'True brotherhood—the ability of men to connect and build upon the intersection of our humanity mirrored in the faces of each other and to unite for the common good. Kevin Callahan taught me that.'

Kevin Callahan, posing here (third from left wearing dark blazer and cross), traveled a collective thousands of miles each school year from his home in Arlington Heights, Illinois, on Thursday mornings to serve as a volunteer in the Real Men Read program founded by John Fountain in Matteson, Illinois. Callahan died on March 24 after a long illness. He was 72. (Photos: John W. Fountain)

By John W. Fountain

For Brother Kevin Callahan and all the brothers of Real Men Read Matteson…

Brotherhood. True Brotherhood. Horizontal in nature. Not holier-than-thou brothers who deem themselves my mentor. For that is “Vertical Brotherhood.”

Not another brother who thinks himself to be another’s spiritual superior. Not a brother who cannot understand that all we as men have fault and sins. True Brotherhood.

Brotherhood that seeks to mend. The kind that does not kick another brother while he is down. Does not envy. Does not wish for another brother’s demise. Nor rejoices at his fall. All for one, one for all.

Brotherhood. The safety of a company of men around whom I can think out loud—without judgment.

True Brotherhood.

Not puffed up. Without air of religiosity. Devoid of cliques. Not slick.

Brotherhood. The kind that understands “we” are all in this together. That we are not each other’s enemy. That by our hand or tongue we can either murder or uplift. That Father Time soon will sift us all.

Brotherhood. Not reliant on religious, social or educational pedigree. Not titles or how much money you make. But rooted in the common dirt of creation of which all men are made. Knit by the common breath the Creator gave.

Brotherhood. Not like the “saved” brother-preacher I’ve known since childhood who now walks past me without acknowledgement perhaps because I’m so “bad” and he’s so “good.”

Or the brother “elevated” to the “church leadership” crew. So he now looks at me like some “church folk” do.

Or the “brother” who treats me like he is “Father Superior.” And I am his spiritual stepchild. Yet, I still remember when we were both young and wild.

So I find myself nowadays, staring through years past like a smoke-filled haze, trying hard not to be amazed or else completely dazed that in this phase of life, I find “brothers” few and far between. And “True Brotherhood” not often seen.

And yet, grateful, I am, for the few in my life. Brothers in this struggle. Black and also white. For “True Brotherhood” is horizontal in nature. No big I’s. One Savior. Lord, hear our cry

A memorial funeral mass for Kevin R. Callahan will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 27, at St. James Catholic Church, 820 North Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, Illinois.

Related Story: Kevin Callahan: A Real Man Who Read, Lived, Laughed And Loved

Email: Author@Johnwfountain.com