Edward Brooke, Mass. Republican and First African-American Elected to U.S. Senate Since Reconstruction, Dies

By Mike Bednarsky

Edward Brooke, the Massachusetts Republican who became the first African-American elected to the U.S. Senate since Reconstruction, died Saturday of natural causes. He was 95.

The Boston Globe reported that Mr. Brooke served in the Senate from 1967-1979. He was elected attorney general in 1962 and reelected two years later. He is the only African-American to be elected to a second term.

Brooke grew up in Washington, D.C. and served in the Army during World War II. He later received a Bronze Star, according to CNN.

Brooke moved to Massachusetts and attended law school after his military service.

“Many of his beginnings were in Boston,” Boston Mayor Marty Walsh said in a statement about Brooke’s passing. “Graduating from Boston University Law School, serving on the Boston Finance Commission, and starting his legal practice in the neighborhood of Roxbury—he was one of our own. His progressive ideals aligned with what Boston and Massachusetts hope for in a leader: empowering those who did not have a voice.”

Brooke first won the position of Massachusetts attorney general in 1962. He ran for the Senate four years later and won.

“We will forever be grateful for his venerable leadership,” Mayor Walsh added. “Our prayers are with the his family and friends, and all who loved him.”

Photo credit: ABC 7 Chicago