'Brother Luke' Alexander, artist, activist

MANY A Philadelphia politician who needed a snazzy poster or brochure, button or banner to promote a candidacy turned to Luke Alexander Jr.

"Brother Luke," as he liked to call himself, never failed them over a 40-year span. He also did artistic promotional work for churches and numerous local civic and charitable organizations.

His creations, which also included T-shirts with cogent slogans, helped them get their messages across in a forceful manner.

Brother Luke died Thursday of a heart attack at age 67. He lived in West Philadelphia and maintained an office and studio in North Philadelphia.

In addition to promotional work, Luke did his own artwork, employing many mediums, which he exhibited across the country. In the late '60s, his paintings on black velvet were in great demand.

But Brother Luke's main focus was always on the development of the African-American community. A product of the Black Power '60s, he tried to encourage young and old to stand on their own with pride and accomplishment.

State Rep. Jewell Williams hailed Luke's commitment, especially to young people finding their way in the world.

"Very passionate about youth and their academic and personal development, he sponsored entrepreneurial workshops and seminars for years, empowering young people to 'do for self' in their quest of becoming self-sufficient," Williams said in a statement.

Community leader Bilal Abdul Qayyum called Brother Luke a "Philadelphia jewel."

"He was an institution by himself," Qayyum said. "One of the city's treasures. He was an important voice in the African-American arts-and-culture community for many years. This is a great loss for the city."

Luke often donated his artwork for worthy causes. "He would do anything for you," Qayyum said.

Brother Luke was a popular teacher for about 15 years in Temple University's Pan-African Studies Community Education Program (PASCEP), which trains community residents in entrepreneurship.

Largely self-taught, Luke came from an artistic family that encouraged excellence. "He had natural talent," his son said. "He knew he wanted to be an artist from the age of 6."

In 1982, he had an exhibit at Temple University's Student Activities Center with a collection that included portraits of then-Mayor William J. Green, activist and City Councilman Cecil B. Moore, Malcolm X, jazz saxophonist John Coltrane, and Nation of Islam founder Elijah Muhammad.

"As an artist, there're only two things I can do to make my contribution to society," he said at the time, "and they are to put black paintings on black people's walls across the country and to help young up-and-coming artists.

"I was tired of walking into people's houses and seeing the pride they showed in prints of 'Mona Lisa' and 'Blue Boy' hanging on their walls."

He said he wanted to see that kind of pride in works done by blacks and black subjects.

In 2006, Luke was among a group of black men honored at the ninth annual Fatherhood Awards by the Father's Day Committee headed by Bilal Qayyuum.

"Personally, I think we stand tall when we stoop to help a child," he said then. He said he was having T-shirts printed with that slogan.

"He was a fun guy," said his son. "He was fun-loving, but he was serious about his craft. He enjoyed good food and social activities. He was a big chess enthusiast."

Luke was born in Edenton, N.C., to Luke and Daisy Alexander. He came to Philadelphia in 1964. He married Elizabeth Spaulding in 1968.

He also is survived by a daughter-in-law, Samantha; a brother, Ervin Alexander; and a sister, Selena Davenport.

Services: Memorial service 6 p.m. today at Deliverance Evangelistic Church, 2001 W. Lehigh Ave.