Amarillo’s Tremaine Brown named 2024 National Hero of the Year, awarded $10,000 by 7 Brew

Tremaine Brown, a business owner and tireless community leader in Amarillo, has been named the 2024 National Hero of the Year by 7 Brew, a national drive-thru coffee chain. Along with the prestigious title, Brown received a $10,000 check to support his continued community service initiatives.

Brown’s recognition comes as a result of over a decade of dedication to his community. Known for organizing events such as Easter egg hunts, back-to-school giveaways, trunk-or-treat celebrations, meal donations, and distributing Christmas gifts, Brown has become a beloved figure in Amarillo.

The journey to this national recognition began in August when Brown was named 7 Brew's Neighborhood Hero of the Month, after being nominated by his longtime friend, Jo Lynn Miller. Miller, who has known Brown for 18 years, said he embodies what it means to serve.

“Everything he does in the community — for all the kids and seeing how far he's grown, the things he strives to do for his baby girl. I couldn't have thought of anybody else more perfect than that,” Miller said.

Brown’s nomination resonated nationwide, garnering over 11,000 votes to win the National Hero of the Year award.

Reflecting on the honor, Brown expressed deep gratitude and faith. “I was really, really, you know, warmed by the gestures,” he said. “God said if those that don't support you, then I'll send strangers, and you know that's exactly what he did.”

Miller emphasized the impact of the award, confident that Brown will reinvest the prize money into the Amarillo community. “I know Tremaine — he's going to use this and put it back into the community,” Miller said. “Whether it goes to doing something special for the kids or his new tutoring program, he's going to put it back into the community to us.”

Brown confirmed these plans, revealing that part of the $10,000 prize will support the launch of the Unity Learning Community tutoring program, a new initiative aimed at helping local students excel academically.

“What a blessing it is to give because that’s what this all is a direct result of — me trying to be a decent human being and take care of some kids and take care of some vulnerable individuals,” Brown said. “You know, just live a good life and be a good human being.”

As Amarillo celebrates its local hero, Brown’s story serves as a reminder of the profound difference one person can make through service, compassion, and unwavering dedication to their community.