Former Notre Dame Leprechaun shares heartwarming story with local school

 

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Mike Brown, the first Black man to step into the role of Leprechaun for the University of Notre Dame, shared his writing talents with the students at Muessel Elementary School on Monday.

Brown read his picture book "Little Netta's Gift" aloud to two crowds of elementary students.

"Little Netta's Gift" is the heartwarming story of Brown's cousin, Netta, whose birthday was just two days after Christmas.

Brown told the story of how Netta got gifts on Christmas Day, and then more presents for her birthday, December 27th. During her birthday party, she realized that some of her friends hadn't received any gifts for Christmas two days before.

So, she gave several of her presents to her friends, since she thought it would be fair for everyone to have gifts.

Brown is sharing the story of her kind act through the picture book, and touring schools to spread the message of sharing during the holidays.

Unfortunately, Netta and her mother, Brown's aunt, were both murdered three years after her good deed.

Brown says his book "Little Netta's Gift" means so much more because of the way their lives were cut tragically short. He sees the book as a way of carrying on Netta's memory.

The book and more information about Netta can be found here.