The Harlem Crawfords are playing in honor of Alvin Leonard Bragg Sr. Mr. Bragg. was born in South Hill, Va., to Marvin Alvin Bragg and Horatia Hayes on March 3, 1945. At the age of 13, Alvin moved to Petersburg, Va., where he was nurtured by his loving aunt and uncle, Helen and James Howard. Shortly after moving to Petersburg, Alvin enrolled at Peabody High School, and it was there that he met the love of his life, Sadie Chavis Bragg.

During high school, Alvin was an active member of Gillfield Baptist Church and the NAACP. Among many other community activities, Alvin led student sit-ins as part of the effort to desegregate restaurants in Petersburg. Alvin was also an honors student and a standout member of the track team.

Alvin and Sadie were married in 1967. Alvin graduated from Syracuse University with a degree in political science in 1968. Upon Alvin's graduation, Alvin and Sadie moved to New York City. Alvin later earned a master of science degree in human resource management from the University of Utah.

Alvin dedicated most of his professional life to the delivery of social services in New York City. He started his career at the New York City Youth Board, where he helped oversee a program that provided services to students who had dropped out of high school. After a brief period as a stock broker, Alvin worker for over 14 years at the New York Urban League. For his first five years at the Urban League, Alvin helped direct a series of programs: an educational program for students who had dropped out to high school, a community service center for young adults on probation and a skills training and job placement program. From 1976 to 1986, Alvin over saw the Urban League's operations in Manhattan as the borough director.

After the Urban League, Alvin worked for several years for the New York City Human Resources Administration as a director at the city homeless shelters. After he retired, Alvin helped establish and co-owned an IHOP franchise in Harlem.

More than any of his professional accomplishments, Alvin loved spending time with his family and friends. Among other activities with family and friends, Alvin enjoyed playing cards and tennis, traveling, watching sports, dancing, and listening to music (especially James Brown).