Edward W Brooke Omega Service

Brother Edward William Brooke Born: October 26, 1919 | Initiated: Beta, December 4, 1937 | Omega: January 3, 2015

ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY OMEGA SERVICE Monday, March 9, 2015 | 4:00 PM Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel | Howard University | Washington, DC

First of All, Servants of All, We Shall Transcend All

COVER PORTRAIT OF EDWARD W. BROOKE BY ROBERT A. ANDERSON FROM A BACHRACH PHOTOGRAPH

Resolution Honoring and Transferring to Omega Chapter Brother Edward William Brooke WHEREAS:

Brother Edward William Brooke was born on Sunday, October 26, 1919 in Washington, DC and named for his grandfather, father and deceased sister Edwina and attended the public schools and graduated from Dunbar High School; and

WHEREAS:

Brother Brooke’s journey toward academic success took him to Howard University in Washington, DC where he studied social studies and political science; was initiated into Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. in 1937, was elected president of Beta Chapter; served on the fraternity’s executive council (now board of directors); earned a bachelor of science degree in 1941; and

WHEREAS:

Shortly after the beginning of World War II, Brooke entered the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant; served in the segregated 366th Infantry Regiment; was deployed to Italy and was engaged in combat where he was awarded the Bronze Star for valor; and

WHEREAS:

Upon his return to the United States after World War II, Brother Brooke matriculated at the Boston University School of Law, where he earned a law degree and later a master’s degree in law. As a law student, he rose to the top of his class and was a member of the prestigious Law Review; and

WHEREAS:

Brooke armed with his knowledge and proficiency in law pursued a legal career by establishing his private law practice and entered the field of elective politics, suffering some political defeats but rising to become the attorney general of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, making him the first African American to serve as a state attorney general.

Building on that success he later became the first African American popularly elected to the United States senate and ably served for two terms; and

WHEREAS:

His stellar service to our nation earned him numerous accolades and honors including having a courthouse named for him in Boston, Massachusetts and being bestowed the nation’s highest civilian honors, the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal; and

WHEREAS:

Brooke remained active, interested and engaged in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity throughout his life, serving as the eastern region vice president; the founding chair of the Alpha Phi Alpha World Policy Council; a generous benefactor to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial project; the honorary chair of the Alpha Centennial Convention; a major donor to the Alpha Phi Alpha Charitable Foundation, Inc.; and

WHEREAS:

During his 77 years of membership, Brother Edward William Brooke brought honor and distinction upon himself, his family, fraternity, and country.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity transfers the membership of Brother Edward William Brooke to the Omega Chapter where he will forever be enshrined among the ranks of our esteemed departed brothers.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I, MARK S. TILLMAN, General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, by the authority vested in me have set my hand and caused the seal of the fraternity to be affixed on this 9th day of March, 2015 in the 109th year of the fraternity.

Mark S. Tillman

General President ATTEST: William Douglass Lyle Executive Director/COO

OMEGA SERVICE | EDWARD W. BROOKE

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Brother Brooke (standing) tells a joke as Jewel Henry Arthur Callis, founding member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, laughs during a fraternity banquet honoring Jewel Callis in Washington, DC.

Brother Brooke (2nd from left)—shown with 21st General President T. Winston Cole Sr., 16th General President Belford V. Lawson Jr., 17th General President A. Maceo Smith, 14th General President Charles H. Wesley—served as the keynote speaker during the 1963 General Convention. Brooke was the Attorney General of Massachusetts.

THE LIFE OF AN ALPHA LEGEND

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f the true measure of an Alpha man is what he does outside the House of Alpha, then clearly Brother Edward W. Brooke was one of those brothers we refer to as a “giant of Alpha.”

Early in his fraternal life, Brooke was mentored and encouraged by Alpha founder Henry Arthur Callis and Alpha icons T. Winston Cole, Belford V. Lawson, A. Maceo Smith, and Charles H. Wesley to name a few. Later, Brooke’s election to the U.S. Senate in 1966 ended an 85–year absence of African– American senators. Brooke was the first popularly elected senator and the first black politician from Massachusetts to serve in Congress. Brooke was an independent thinker who acted according to his conscience and not his political party.

Throughout his political career, Brooke defined himself as a representative of the American people and a champion of Civil Rights.

Edward William Brooke was born in Washington, DC on October 26, 1919. Named for his grandfather, father, and deceased sister Edwina, he lived with his father, Edward Brooke, Jr., a graduate of Howard University Law School and a long-time lawyer with the Veterans Administration; his mother, Helen Seldon; and his older sister, Helene. In 1936, after graduating from Dunbar High School in Washington, DC, one of the most prestigious high schools for African Americans in the country at the time, Brother Brooke enrolled at Howard University. Originally intending to pursue a career in medicine, he decided to major in sociology. In 1937, Brooke joined the Beta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. In 1939, he was elected president of the chapter, and later he served as a lay member (now eastern region assistant vice president) of the executive council (now board of directors).

Brooke earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1941. Shortly after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, Brooke entered the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant. Before serving overseas in World War II, Brooke was stationed with the segregated 366th Infantry Regiment at Fort Devens in Ayer, Massachusetts. Like many black members of the era,

Brooke felt keenly the irony of fighting for democracy abroad while facing racial discrimination in the armed forces. The Massachusetts base implemented a whites–only policy for all clubs, as well as the swimming pool, the tennis courts, and the general store. “In every regard, we were treated as second–class soldiers, if not worse, and we were angry,” Brooke recalled. “I felt a personal frustration and bitterness I had not known before in my life.” While stateside, Brooke defended black enlisted men in military court. Despite a lack of legal training, he earned a reputation as a competent public defender and a “soldier’s lawyer.” His experience on the Massachusetts military base inspired him to earn a law degree in 1948 and a master of law degree in 1949, both from Boston University.

Brooke spent 195 days with his unit in Italy. His fluent Italian and his light skin enabled him to cross enemy lines to communicate with Italian partisans. By the war’s end, Brooke had earned the rank of captain, a Bronze Star, and a Distinguished Service Award. During his tour in Europe, he also met Italian–born Remigia Ferrari–Scacco. They married on June 7, 1947, in Roxbury, Massachusetts. The couple had two daughters: Edwina and Remi. Brooke divorced in 1978 and married Anne Fleming in 1979. Brooke and his second wife had a son, Edward W. Brooke IV. Later, in 1949, Brooke would again serve Alpha as the eastern region vice president until 1951. Brooke declined offers to join established law firms, choosing instead to start his own practice in the predominantly African–American community of Roxbury. At the urging of friends from his former army unit, Brooke interrupted his law career to run for the Massachusetts House of Representatives in 1950. Lacking party affiliation, Brooke took advantage of a state law allowing candidates to cross–file. Despite his nonexistent political experience, he received the endorsement of the Republican Party for the house seat representing Roxbury. Unsuccessful in the general election, Brooke entered the race two years later, winning the Republican nomination but losing to his Democratic opponent.

Brother Brooke confers with President Lyndon Johnson in the Oval Office.

Brother Brooke and his wife, Anne, attend a dinner at the White house hosted by President Ronald Reagan.

Brooke resumed his law career after his failed attempts at election to the Massachusetts legislature. During his hiatus from politics, he established himself as a successful lawyer and built community ties that would prove significant in future bids for elected office. In 1960, he re–entered the political fray, running for Massachusetts secretary of state. Although Brooke lost once again, he surprised many people by capturing more than one million votes in an election in which John F. Kennedy of Massachusetts was the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee. During this period, Brooke attained valuable name recognition and a reputation as an honest and determined public servant. In recognition of his strong performance in the campaign, Republican Governor John Volpe of Massachusetts appointed Brooke chairman of the Boston Finance Commission, whose purpose was to uncover corruption in the city’s municipal agencies. During his two–year tenure, Brooke transformed the commission into a respectable and effective organization, and his position helped make him one of the most popular political figures in the state.

In 1962, after earning the Republican nomination for Massachusetts attorney general, he easily defeated the Democratic challenger. As the only member of his party to win statewide election in 1962 and the first African American to serve as a state attorney general, Brooke garnered national attention. Brooke continued his efforts to thwart corruption in the state government. He also recommended a series of measures to protect consumers’ rights and fought to end housing discrimination.

In 1966, Brooke authored The Challenge of Change: Crisis in Our Two–Party System, outlining many of his political principles, including his beliefs about civil rights. The “issue [civil rights] is pressing on the nation, and cries out for a solution,” Brooke wrote, arguing that in addition to legislation, African Americans needed access to a quality education to compete with whites.

After two terms as attorney general (1962–1966), Brooke announced his candidacy in 1965 for the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by the retirement of Leverett Saltonstall. During the campaign against Democrat Endicott Peabody, formerly the governor of Massachusetts (who was unopposed in

the Republican primary), Brooke vowed to work for “the establishment of peace, the preservation of freedom for all who desire it, and a better life for people at home and abroad.” Labeling himself a “creative Republican,” Brooke successfully courted voters from both parties by emphasizing his moderate viewpoints. Despite the enthusiastic backing of popular Massachusetts Senator Edward (Ted) Kennedy, Peabody could not best Brooke on Election Day. On November 8, 1966, Brooke earned a seat in the 90th Congress (1967–1969), winning 62 percent of the vote. His victory met with considerable fanfare, both in Massachusetts and the nation; Brooke was the first African American elected to the Senate since the Reconstruction Era. Asked to comment on his victory, Brooke praised the people of Massachusetts for their ability to “judge you on your merit and your worth alone.” He promised to use his position to “unite men who have not been united before,” reiterating his pledge to represent his constituents equally regardless of race.

On the opening day of the 90th Congress, Senator Edward Kennedy, the senior Senator of Massachusetts, escorted the newly elected Brooke down the aisle of the Senate chamber by long–standing tradition. The senators greeted Brooke with a standing ovation. “I felt like a member of the club,” Brooke said. “They didn’t overdo it. They didn’t underdo it.”

Unlike many of his African–American colleagues in the House, Brooke experienced little institutional racism in the Senate.

“In all my years in the Senate, I never encountered an overt act of hostility,” the Massachusetts senator asserted. Brooke later recalled using the Senate gym and the adjoining facilities without incident. Early in his first term, Brooke went to the Senators’ swimming pool in the Russell Senate Office Building.

Southern Democrats and staunch segregationists John Stennis of Mississippi, John McClellan of Arkansas, and Strom Thurmond of South Carolina greeted Brooke and invited him to join them in the pool. “There was no hesitation or ill will that I could see,” Brooke recollected of this positive reception by his Senate colleagues. “Yet these were men who consistently voted against legislation that would have provided equal opportunity to others of my race. I felt that if a senator truly believed in racial separatism I could live with that, but it was increasingly evident that some members of the Senate played on bigotry purely for political gain.”

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President Lyndon B. Johnson appointed Brooke to the President’s Commission on Civil Disorders shortly after he was elected to the Senate.

Governor Otto Kerner of Illinois led the group, also known as the Kerner Commission.

Charged with outlining the causes of the urban riots of 1967, the Kerner Commission also proposed solutions for the epidemic of racial unrest in American cities. The 11–member commission, including Brooke, suggested the government fund a series of programs to increase educational, housing, and employment opportunities for minorities living in urban areas. Also during his tenure in the Senate, Brother Brooke was an early voice for sanctions against South Africa because of its apartheid policies. He was a leading voice on fair housing.

While the Civil Rights Act of 1866 prohibited discrimination in housing, there were no federal enforcement provisions until Brooke’s legislation in 1968 corrected the oversight and further outlawed discrimination concerning the sale, rental, and financing of housing. Working with Democratic Senator Walter Mondale of Minnesota, Brooke succeeded in attaching an anti– discrimination amendment to the groundbreaking Civil Rights Act of 1968, a follow-up to the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Title VIII of the legislation, commonly known as the Fair Housing Act, included provisions to combat racial discrimination in housing.

“Fair housing does not promise an end to the ghetto,” Brooke cautioned. “It promises only to demonstrate that the ghetto is not an immutable institution in America.” The African– American senator cited his difficulties finding a home after he returned from service in World War II to illustrate the prejudice in the American housing market. Brooke proposed that to combat the “unconscionable bitterness between white and black Americans, it is [incumbent] upon our government to act, and to act now.” In 1975, Brooke vehemently defended the need to extend the 1965 Voting Rights Act. When a proposed Senate amendment threatened to dilute the historic voting rights legislation, Brooke joined the debate. “I just cannot believe that here in 1975 on the floor of the Senate we are ready to say to the American people, black or white, red or brown, ‘You just cannot even be assured the basic right to

1919

Edward William Brooke is born in Washington, DC, October 26th to Edward William Brooke Jr. and Helen (Seldon) Brooke.

1922

Pictured on the left, Brother Brooke, at the age of three, stands next to his sister, Helene, in their LeDroit Park neighborhood in Washington, DC.

1936

Young Brooke graduates from Dunbar High School reported to be the best high school in America. Many of the faculty, but for segregation, would have been on the faculty of some outstanding college or university. After graduating he enrolls into Howard University.

1937

On December 4th Brother Brooke is initiated into Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

1939

Pictured on the left, Brooke is newly elected to the Executive Council (Board of Directors) as a lay member. During that year he was elected president of Beta Chapter.

vote in this country.’” Brooke’s eloquent and impassioned plea to his colleagues helped extend the landmark measure seven years.

Shortly after the assassination of Brother Martin Luther King, Jr., Brooke urged his congressional colleagues to recognize the renowned civil rights leader by declaring January 15 (King’s birthday) a national holiday. Arguing that it “would be fitting to pay our respects to this noble figure by enduring public commemoration of his life and philosophy,” the Massachusetts Senator earned the support of many African Americans. Brooke also made headlines when he traveled to Jackson State College in Mississippi in May 1970 to help ease tensions resulting from the fatal shootings of two black students by the police.

Although Brooke supported the Republican Party, his stances were often contrary to the official party line. He typically adopted a liberal agenda with regard to social issues. During his two terms in the Senate, Brooke backed affirmative Continues on page 12

1940

Brother Brooke is appointed director of the Central Bureau of Sphinx Clubs by the 14th General President Charles H. Wesley.

Pictured to the right, Brother Brooke (standing) addresses members of the fraternity and their guests at the Beta Chapter Inauguration Banquet.

Guests included 14th General President Charles H. Wesley, 15th General President Rayford W. Logan and 16th General President Belford V. Lawson who served as masters of ceremonies.

Published in The Sphinx

November 8, 1940, at the request of 14th General President Charles H. Wesley, Brother Brooke’s Charge To The New Administration of Beta Chapter

“In parting I wish to leave with the incoming administration a few suggestions which are results of my experience during the past year. Appoint responsible persons to all committees; keep ever in mind that the interest and welfare of the fraternity is above personal gain and friendship; undertake no projects that are too extravagant; let common sense prevail over sentimentality; work toward a well rounded fraternal life consisting of constructive as well as purely social accomplishments; regard other fraternal organizations with respect and give credit where credit is due; refrain from boasting of both accomplished and unaccomplished deeds; rearrange meetings so that time may be allotted for business and fraternalizing periods; maintain a ‘high standing in campus life and among school officials; constantly decrease brutality with no lack of loyalty intended, I urge you to realize the relative importance of the fraternity to scholastic life and to spend only that time which can be conveniently allotted and which when combined with the time of others will be adequate for building and maintaining those high ideals to which Alpha men aspire.” I trust that God will give you your fields of endeavor and that you will lead us forward ever onward to the light of the world—Alpha Phi Alpha.”

“I propose the formation of an Alpha Phi Alpha World Policy Council for the purpose of searching out long-term solutions to the complex national and international problems we face now and in the twenty-first century.”

-Edward W. Brooke, 1993, 87th General Convention Public Program Address, New Orleans, LA

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1941

Brooke graduates from Howard University with a bachelor’s degree and was commissioned a 2nd Lt. in the U.S. Army. While in the service he faced prejudice and segregation. Brother Brooke served as an officer for five years during World War II. He saw combat in Italy during World War II as a member of the segregated 366th Infantry Regiment and earned a Bronze Star.

The following stanza is from a favorite hymn of Brother Brooke which he often quoted in his speeches.

“God of justice, save the people from the clash of race and creed, From the strife of class and faction, make our nation free indeed;

1948

Following his discharge from the Army, Brother Brooke enters law school at Boston University and was an active member of Sigma Chapter. Brother Brooke was eastern region vice president.

While a member of Sigma Chapter he participated in the initiation of Brother Martin Luther King, Jr., a graduate student at Boston University.

Keep her faith in simple manhood strong as when her life began, Till it find its full fruition in the brotherhood of man!”

1949

Charter Day Ceremony of Delta Epsilon at Buffalo University in New York. Brooke, then eastern vice president oversaw the ceremony with President Belford V. Lawson at the time.

1949

Pictured at right, Brother Brooke, eastern vice president, presides over the Regional Convention.

The case of Henderson v.

Southern Railway. Brooke was attorney for Elmer Henderson in his racial discrimination suit against Southern Railway. The case was sponsored by Alpha Phi Alpha and lead attorney was 16th General President Belford V. Lawson with Jawn Sandifer, General Counsel for the fraternity. The case lasted six years after finally being won before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Published in The Sphinx February 1950

by Brother Edward W. Brooke Eastern Vice President

It is difficult to express briefly the myriad of thoughts which come to mind concerning the recent Alpha Convention. As a participant and an observer, to me the most gratifying was the fact that Alpha Phi Alpha was prime in importance rather than the individual.

The entire spirit of the Convention concerned the furtherance of Alpha in each of its fields of endeavor rather than the aggrandizement of any individual. The differences of opinion, naturally always where more than one person is involved, were for the most part put aside once the decision of the majority had been made. Alpha is definitely growing and quite naturally is feeling its “growing pains.” No real achievement comes easily. Controversies have arisen and will continue to arise, but if we of Alpha, with the same dignity and singleness of purpose displayed at Atlanta, keep the Fraternity’s goal uppermost, those controversies will be insignificant to the future of our fraternity.

Socially, Atlanta left nothing to be desired by its guests. The graciousness and splendid hospitality extended by the Atlanta Chapters and citizens of Atlanta are indicative of the general attitude of brotherhood experienced throughout Alphadom and the lofty position which Alpha Phi Alpha enjoys in community life.

“I am living now, with Alpha men of the present, who are open to consider difficult subjects. Alpha men who have trained their minds in veracity and accuracy and fed them noble ideas. Alpha men who think broadly and largely on the vast problems of the world. It is to these Alpha men I have addressed my remarks.”

-Edward W. Brooke, 1993, 87th General Convention Public Program Address, New Orleans, La.

“My Brothers, I call on each of you—as Americans, as Americans of African heritage, and as children of God, sent by Him to dwell temporarily on this Earth—to do whatever you can to improve the quality of life on this planet.”

-Edward W. Brooke, 1996, “Ready for the World” The Inaugural Charles Harris Wesley Memorial Lecture, New Orleans, La.

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Presiding Brother Mark S. Tillman General President The Organ Prelude........................................................................................................“Rhosymedre” ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Ralph Vaughn Williams

“Hark A Voice Saith Thou Art Mortal” J. S. Bach Brother Patrick D. McCoy, Organist Processional of Officers and Family............................................ “Largo” from Xerxes ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� G. F. Handel Opening Statement ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Brother Mark S. Tillman General President Statement from Howard University Statement from the Eastern Region Vice President........................................................................................................................................Brother R. Anthony Mills Statement from Alpha Brothers who are Members of Congress Statement from the Alpha Phi Alpha World Policy Council........................................................................... Brother Ambassador Horace Dawson Chair Musical Selection....................................................................................... “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Runyan Brother Terrence B. Tarver, Soloist

THE OMEGA SERVICE RITE

Reverend Brother Matthew L. Watley, Presiding Liturgist Reverend Brother Jonathan Augustine, Associate Liturgist THE LITURGIST I am the resurrection and the life - saith the Lord He that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.

INVOCATION O Master Eternal, give to each of us The deep consciousness of Thy presence That the spirit of fraternity may so Direct our thoughts, guide and control Our hearts and lives, that we may become Through Thee, servants of all mankind.

AMEN SING THE FIRST VERSE OF THE ALPHA HYMN WITH CHORUS. SCRIPTURE LESSON And God said, let there be light, and there was light And God saw the light- that it was good.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God And the Word was God. In Him was the life and light of men.

Then spoke Jesus again unto them saying: I am the Light of the world.

He that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, But shall have the light of life.

For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness Hath shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge Of the glory of God, in the face of Jesus Christ.

SCRIPTURE LESSON (cont) Ye are the light of the world; Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

I am ALPHA and OMEGA, the beginning and the end saith the Lord, Which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

AMEN LITANY FOR THE DEAD L. O Father of life, and giver of light look with favor upon Thy creatures here assembled; R. AND GRANT US THY BLESSING. L. O, Thou, who hast led man through the ages of his existence upon the earth by Thy Spirit R. GRANT US THY CONTINUED GUIDANCE. L. Thou who dost generate love and goodness in hearts and the desire for fellowship one

with the other in life’s living: R. INCREASE THY SPIRIT IN US L. Thou who hast called our brother from his task to the reward of noble thought and deed: R. DEEPEN OUR MEMORY OF HIM L. Thou who are the light of the new heaven, the new earth, the new Jerusalem, the Alpha and Omega,

the beginning and the end of all creation.

R. GRANT A FINAL RESTING PLACE WITH THEE TO ALL WHOM THOU HAST CALLED AND FINALLY OURSELVES. AMEN Words of Tribute Brother Henry Ponder, 28th General President Brother Darryl R. Matthews Sr., 32nd General President Brother Harry E. Johnson Sr., 31st General President Musical Selection......................................................................................... “You’ll Never Walk Alone” ................................................. Rodgers/Hammerstein Brother Terrence B. Tarver, Soloist Words of Tribute Brother Mark S. Tillman, General President Brother Milton C. Davis, 29th General President THE OMEGA CHAPTER HYMN (Sung to the tune of the Alpha Hymn) Alpha brothers, gather ‘round And make our praise resound Of this brother, whose labors now are crowned.

His good deeds, heaven blest Commend them through each test To OMEGA our chapter of sweet rest. (chorus) Farewell, dear brother, transcendent are thou, Thy spirit shall dwell with us now.

We cherish thy mem’ry, thy good name we’ll revere To thy glory, thy honor, BROTHER, dear.

BENEDICTION AND BLESSING The grace of the Lord - Jesus Christ Be with your spirit, brother.

And now, may the Peace of God, Which passeth all understanding, Keep your hearts and minds in the Knowledge and love of God, — And of His Son, Jesus Christ, Our Lord: And may the blessing of God Almighty, The Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, Be amongst you, and remain with you always.

AMEN SING THE FIRST VERSE AND CHORUS OF THE ALPHA HYMN Closing Remarks............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. General President Tillman Recessional of Officers and Family

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Continued from page 6

action, minority business development, and public housing legislation. He also favored extending minimum wage standards to unprotected jobs held by unskilled workers, providing tax incentives to companies with management training programs, and increasing operating subsidies for commuter rail services and mass transit systems. At times Brooke even broke party ranks to work with Democrats in the Senate and the House. For example, Brooke and House Majority Leader Thomas (Tip) O’Neill of Massachusetts recommended a swift increase in Social Security benefits in 1972. Initially a supporter of President Nixon, Brooke grew increasingly critical of the Republican executive.

Deeply concerned about the lack of commitment to equal opportunities for all people, Brooke denounced the White House for neglecting the black community and failing to enforce school integration. He also made waves with the Republican Party and Nixon when he opposed three of the president’s Supreme Court nominees. In May 1973, he introduced a resolution authorizing the attorney general to appoint a special prosecutor to serve in all criminal investigations arising from the Watergate scandal. Six months later, Brooke became the first senator to publicly call for President Nixon’s resignation. “There is no question that the president has lost his effectiveness as the leader of this country, primarily because he has lost the confidence of the people of the country,” Brooke remarked. “I think, therefore, that in the interests of this nation that he loves that he should step down, tender his resignation.” Brooke was also one of the few Republicans to disagree publicly with President Gerald R. Ford’s pardon of Nixon, deeming it a “serious mistake.”

Concerned primarily with issues that would affect the residents of his state, Brooke also demonstrated interest in foreign affairs, especially the Vietnam War. During his run for the Senate in 1966, Brooke called for increased negotiations with the North Vietnamese rather than an escalation of the fighting. Determined to become an expert, he participated in a fact–finding mission in Southeast Asia in 1967. The

(AP Photo)

1964 Edward W. Brooke, attorney general of Massachusetts. The first black attorney general in any state and the only Republican holding statewide office in Massachusetts.

Massachusetts senator reported on his three–week trip during his first formal speech on the Senate floor. Interpreted as a reversal of his position on Vietnam, his speech made national headlines. Brooke commented that his trip had convinced him “that the enemy is not disposed to participate in any meaningful negotiations,” which led him to believe that Johnson’s “patient” approach to Vietnam did in fact have merit. Brooke was praised by those who found his willingness to publicly change his position courageous and criticized by many civil rights activists who believed the Vietnam War siphoned valuable funding away from vital domestic programs. Years later, Brooke maintained that his speech had been misinterpreted by the press because his continued support of a reduction of American involvement in the region was overlooked. As a moderate Republican, Brooke grew impatient with the Nixon administration’s aggressive Southeast Asian policies, which escalated the conflict with few signs of success. In 1970, he and 15 members of his party voted for the Cooper–Church Amendment, which originated in response to Nixon’s decision to invade Cambodia and prohibited the use of American troops outside Vietnam.

Brooke further challenged the president’s war effort by voting for legislation that established a time limit for the withdrawal of American troops from Vietnam.

In November 1972, Brooke easily defeated his primary challenger, earning 64 percent of the vote to win a second term in the Senate. After his re–election, Brooke continued his active role in domestic politics. In November 1975, he and seven colleagues on the Banking Committee rejected President Ford’s nomination of former Georgia Representative Benjamin B. Blackburn to the Federal Home Loan Bank Board because of Blackburn’s opposition to the 1968 Fair Housing Act. During the presidency of James Carter, Brooke reaffirmed his support of appropriations for low–income rental housing programs, construction of public housing, and the purchase and refurbishment of existing units. He successfully fought a 1977 amendment to a Health, Education and Welfare (HEW) bill that would have prevented

(AP Photo)

1965 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stands to speak as Brooke applauds at the Massachusetts Legislature in Boston, April 22, 1965.

(Bettmann/Corbis/AP Images)

1966 Brooke (R-Mass), the first popularly elected AfricanAmerican US senator, stands with his colleague Senator Edward Kennedy on the steps of the U.S. Capitol.

1967 Roy Wilkins (right), executive director of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), presents the NAACP Spingarn Medal to Brother Edward W. Brooke.

Senator Edward Kennedy (D-Mass), looks on.

the department from enforcing quotas to meet affirmative action goals, but he failed to block an anti–busing clause from a HEW funding measure.

Cabot Lodge, and Kennedy. We count Ed Brooke among them,” said Democratic Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick.

After leaving office, the former senator resumed the practice of law in Washington, DC. In 1984, he became chairman of the Boston Bank of Commerce, and one year later he was named to the board of directors of Grumman. Upon being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002, Brooke returned to the public spotlight to increase awareness of breast cancer in men. Asked to comment about his public advocacy, Brooke responded, “You never know in life what you’re going to be called upon to do.”

Brooke went on to be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2004, and four years later, the Congressional Gold Medal, the nation’s highest civilian honors from the executive and legislative branches of government.

For sure he will always be remembered for breaking barriers: the first African-American to be popularly elected to the U.S. Senate, the first black state attorney general in the country, the only African-American senator reelected to office—you could go on and on. But some would say his legislative impact is what will be his lasting testament.

Upon his death, Brooke received accolades across party lines and from both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue. In a statement, President Barack Obama said, “Ed Brooke stood at the forefront of the battle for civil rights and economic fairness. During his time in elected office, he sought to build consensus and understanding across partisan lines, always working towards practical solutions to our nation’s challenges.”

“America mourns the loss of a trailblazer who will always be remembered as a model of courage and honesty in office,” said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky).

“Senator Brooke’s accomplishments remind us that anything is possible in our country.”

“Massachusetts has a history of sending giants to the United States Senate, great statesmen like Quincy Adams, Webster,

1993 Brooke and 29th General President Milton Davis congratulate Alpha Award of Merit honorees Brother Lionel B. Richie and Brother Eddie Robinson after Brooke delivered the General Convention Public Program Address.

1995 Following Brooke’s recommendation that the fraternity form a World Policy Council, General President Milton C. Davis convenes the inaugural meeting on the campus of Howard University and appoints Brooke as founding chair.

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity honored a brilliant and distinguished career when, in 1993, Brother Brooke received the Alpha Award of Merit, the highest honor bestowed on a member of the fraternity. He also was appointed the first chairman of Alpha Phi Alpha World Policy Council in 1995 and was named chairman emeritus in 1998. He continued to be active in Alpha, serving as the honorary chair for the Alpha Phi Alpha Centennial Convention and delivering the centennial public program keynote address, during which he was conferred the Alpha Phi Alpha Centennial Award.

In 2008, Brooke donated $100,000 to the Alpha Phi Alpha Charitable Foundation, Inc. to provide scholarships to assist African-American males who want to be teachers in pursuing degrees in education.

A consummate scholar, Brother Brooke penned two books: The Challenge of Change: The Crisis in Our Two-Party System (Little, Brown, 1966) and Bridging the Divide: My Life Senator Edward W. Brooke (Rutgers University Press, 2006). After more than 77 years of service to the fraternity and to the world, Brother Brooke died at his home in Coral Gables, Fla., from natural causes. Brother Brooke entered Omega Chapter on January 3 at the age of 95. Brooke is survived by his wife, Anne, two daughters, Remi and Edwina, and one son, Edward W. Brooke IV. Citation History, Art & Archives, U.S. House of Representatives, “BROOKE, Edward William III,” http://history.house.gov/People/Detail/9905 (February 24, 2015) The Sphinx Archives, http://apa1906.net

1996 Brooke delivers the inaugural Charles Harris Wesley memorial lecture at the Alpha Scholarship Forum New Orleans, La. 1998 Brooke is named Chairman Emeritus of the Alpha Phi Alpha World Policy Council.

2000 New courthouse in Boston, Mass., is named in honor of Brother Edward Brooke.

2002 Brother Brooke was diagnosed with breast cancer and begins to speak out in efforts to create awareness about breast cancer in men.

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2004 Brother Brooke receives the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Nation’s highest civilian honor, from President George W. Bush.

2007 Brother Brooke pens autobiography Bridging The Divide: My Life Senator Edward W. Brooke.

2009 President Barack Obama The Edward W. Brooke confers on Brooke the Congressional Gold Medal.

Congressional Gold Medal in the Great Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol.

2008 Brother Brooke and his wife, Anne, donate $100,000 to the Alpha Phi Alpha Charitable Foundation to provide scholarships and opportunities to assist African-American males pursuing degrees in education who want to become teachers.

Brooke, after receipt of the Congressional Gold Medal, attends a reception in his honor at the U.S. Capitol with 31st General President Harry E. Johnson Sr., 29th General President Milton C. Davis, 33rd General President Herman “Skip” Mason Jr., and 32nd General President Darryl R. Matthews Sr.

General President Darryl Matthews leads fraternal visit with Brooke and wife, Anne, who were honored at a fraternal luncheon with brothers of Beta Beta Lambda Chapter of Miami.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Foundation honors Brooke for his significant contribution to the building of the memorial.

March 15, 2014 Coral Gables, Fla. Last fraternal visit with Brother Brooke. Standing from left, Alpha Phi Alpha World Policy Council Chair Horace Dawson, Southern Region Assistant Vice President Ismael Brown, 29th General President Milton C. Davis, Anne Brooke, General President Mark S. Tillman, 31st General President Harry E. Johnson, 32nd General President Darryl R. Matthews, and Beta Beta Lambda Chapter President Pierre Rutledge.

2006 Brooke served as honorary chairman of the Alpha Phi Alpha Centennial Convention and received the Centennial Award.

Brother Brooke delivered the Public Program Address, titled “Tribute to the Jewel Founders.”

In his address, he urged the fraternity to encourage and sponsor—through various means—the education and training of African-American male teachers who would go into inner-city and rural communities to teach young African-American students.

Brother Brooke outlined a program that would offer incentives and rewards to African-American males who entered the teaching field.

He stated that there is an immediate need to help African American males to end current frightening conditions that threaten the population and to serve a pressing need in the country.

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Manly Deeds, Scholarship, and Love for All Mankind

"Farewell, dear brother, transcendent are thou, Thy spirit shall dwell with us now.

We cherish thy mem’ry, thy good name we’ll revere To thy glory, thy honor, brother, dear."

Brother Edward W. Brooke BETA 1937 | OMEGA 2015