Ellison "Tarzan" Brown, a member of the Narragansett Indians and descendant of the tribe's last royal family, grew up in deep poverty on the Narragansett Ashaway Reservation in Rhode Island. Despite his humble beginnings and lack of resources, including running shoes, Brown developed a passion for running and built his strength through traditional labor and training. He won his first foot race in West Warwick and, under the guidance of trainer Thomas "Tip" Salimeno, went on to achieve significant success in the sport. Brown's notable accomplishments include winning the Boston Marathon in 1936, where he set enduring records and earned the distinction of being the first runner to break the 2:30 mark on the post-1926 course. He also won back-to-back marathons, three National Championships, and numerous distance races.

Brown's running career also led him to the 1936 U.S. Olympic team and a second victory in the Boston Marathon in 1939. Despite his athletic achievements, Brown faced economic challenges throughout his life, working as a stonemason and shell fisherman, and even selling his marathon trophies to support his family. His legacy continues to inspire, commemorated by the annual Tarzan Brown Mystic River Run in Connecticut since 1975. The resolution posthumously honors Ellison "Tarzan" Brown's life and legacy, directing the Secretary of State of Rhode Island to transmit certified copies of the resolution to Brown's family members.