Clovis John Brooks was born in Stony Hill, St Andrew, Jamaica on June 8, 1924. He began his career of community support by organizing a Christmas party for 1000 children in his hometown back in 1955.In 1963, Dr. Brooks and his wife Patricia immigrated to Toronto, Canada. Pursuing his passion for community involvement, he became the co-owner of the Latin Quarter, a nightclub which served as a drop-in centre for recently arrived immigrants during the day. The opening of the Latin Quarter allowed him to:

• participate in community activities
  
• help establish Regal Road Public School Day Care Project
  
• raise funds for famine relief in Africa
  
• support the Jamaican Bobsled team
  
• found the Domino League of Canada.

For the past 30 years, Dr. Brooks has been involved in social and community development and as a result has become a public figure. The following are some of the ways in which Dr Brooks was honoured:

• He received the Order of Canada
• He received an honorary Doctorate from Queen’s University
• The City of Toronto proclaimed November 3, 1986 as John Brooks Day.