Edward W. Brooke

Profession: US Senator

Nationality:

Biography: Edward W. Brooke was the first African American popularly elected to the US Senate and the first since Reconstruction. Brooke served for two terms representing Massachusetts and was a moderate Republican.

Brooke always emphasized that he wasn't an African American leader but rather served the whole of Massachusetts. He became a powerful figure on the Appropriations Committee and a significant voice on social housing.

Known for his independence and ability to cross party lines he twice voted against President Nixon's nominations for the US Supreme Court.

Born: October 26, 1919
Birthplace: Washington, D.C., USA

Generation: Greatest Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Goat/Sheep
Star Sign: Scorpio

Died: January 3, 2015 (aged 95)

Married Life

1947-06-07 Future US Senator Edward W. Brooke (27) weds first wife Remigia Ferrari-Scacco
1978-06-15 US Senator Edward W. Brooke (58) divorces first wife Remigia Ferrari-Scacco after 31 years of marriage
1979-05-12 US Senator Edward W. Brooke (59) weds second wife Anne Lee Fleming

Historical Events

1962-11-06 Edward W. Brooke (R) elected attorney general of Massachusetts
1966-11-08 Edward W. Brooke (Rep-R-Mass) becomes 1st African American popularly elected to the US Senate
1967-01-10 Edward W. Brooke (Sen-R-Mass), takes his seat as the 1st popularly elected African American to the US Senate