Edward William Brooke

Republican Senator of Massachusetts

Congresses Served

Senate Terms

January 1, 1919 (96 years old)

Birthday

January 1, 2015

Death

Served as a U.S. Senator from Massachusetts from 1967 to 1979.
First African American elected to the U.S. Senate by popular vote.
Previously held the position of Attorney General of Massachusetts from 1963 to 1967, becoming the first African American to hold that office in any state.
Aligned with the moderate-to-liberal faction of the Republican Party and was known for his advocacy of civil rights and social justice.
Co-authored the Civil Rights Act of 1968, which prohibited housing discrimination.
Became a prominent critic of President Richard Nixon, being the first Republican senator to call for Nixon’s resignation during the Watergate scandal.
Re-elected to a second Senate term in 1972, making him the first African American senator to achieve this.
Advocated for various social issues, including women’s rights, civil liberties, and affordable housing.
After leaving the Senate, practiced law and was involved in various business and nonprofit organizations.
Received numerous awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal.
Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002 and became an advocate for raising awareness of the disease among men.
Passed away in 2015 at the age of 95, leaving a legacy as a trailblazer for African Americans in politics.