Category: Legends

Dr. Leland Fairbanks (1930-2025) was a dedicated doctor, public health advocate, educator, and civil rights activist. He was awarded the Surgeon General’s Exemplary Service Medal in 1988 and named the Arizona Family Physician of the Year in 1998, but he is best known for his work in public tobacco control.

While working in the U.S. Public Health service in 1983, Dr. Fairbanks was instrumental in the Keams Canyon Hospital on the Hopi reservation becoming the first smoke-free hospital in the nation. He led the successful 2002 campaign in Tempe where voters passed a landmark public smoking ban. This served as a springboard to his efforts to raise awareness of the dangers of second-hand smoke at the local, state and national level, including his leadership in getting voters to pass the Smoke-Free Arizona Act in 2006.

While he modestly referred to himself as the old country doctor, his efforts included working with the Peace Corps and training nurses in Africa, training medics to work on Indian reservations, treating patients at multiple government hospitals and in private practice, speaking at world conferences, and tirelessly promoting public health.

Vera Brooks is known for her caring heart and helping hands, in addition to creating beautiful environments with her unique style of decorating.

Vera’s compassion shines through her every endeavor – as an active member of the African American Advisory Committee of the Tempe History Museum, as a volunteer in Tempe, and as a co-founder and leader of a Girl Scout troupe in Tempe. She has volunteered at Wood Elementary School, lending her time and skills to help facilitate book sales and other school activities, as well as teacher appreciation events. She’s served the First Baptist Church of Tempe through its Vacation Bible School, Girls Brigade, and as an Awana leader.

Vera is one of the co-founders of All God’s Children Collector’s Club which was established in Tempe over 30 years ago, and provides outreach to the community and other charitable organizations. Vera has received several awards from the City of Tempe including the Martin Luther King, Jr. Diversity Award and the Police Department’s Outstanding Service Award. Vera has enjoyed living in Tempe and volunteering in the community. Both she and her family have deep roots in the City of Tempe.

Robert Brooks has resided in Tempe for over 55 years. He is a retiree from the City of Scottsdale with over 35 years of experience working in the public sector. He is known for his passion for supporting and mentoring the next generation.

Robert has demonstrated his love and commitment to serving others by volunteering as a coach for the City of Tempe summer girls’ softball league for over six years. He served at First Baptist Church of Tempe as an Awana Leader and coach for over 10 years as well as serving as a Deacon.

Robert is a member of the African American Advisory Committee of the Tempe History Museum which he helped found with previous Tempe Legend, Ed Smith. He also serves as current president of the All God’s Children Collector’s Club where he is the sponsor of the Salute to Service Event honoring our military veterans. Robert has received several awards from the City of Tempe including the Police Department’s Outstanding Service Award. He enjoys living in Tempe and contributing to the success of others.

Michelle Brooks-Totress’s (1961-2022) long-time humanitarianism and advocacy for civil rights, social justice and volunteerism in Tempe is admired and known throughout the City of Tempe’s administration. In addition to working 30 years as a librarian in Scottsdale, Michelle devoted much of her life to volunteering for numerous organizations to help establish events celebrating Black history and life. She was among those in 2008 who founded the African American Advisory Committee of the Tempe History Museum and served on its board for well over a decade, including as its chair. Michelle helped to establish the Black History Month Faith in Action Prayer Breakfast – an inter-faith event with representatives from the Christian, Jewish and Muslim faiths – and the annual Juneteenth Celebration at Tempe History Museum.

Michelle also served as co-chair of the Sustainability Pillar for the Arizona Commission of African-American Affairs, and was a board member of the Arizona Career Development Center.

On March 2, 2023, in recognition of her contributions to the Tempe Community, Tempe City Council voted to approve a new name for a recently renovated park originally located in the Hallcraft Home Subdivision: Michelle Brooks-Totress Park.