Edward Brooke, born on October 26, 1919, in Washington, D.C., was the son of a veteran of World War I. He attended Howard University and later pursued a law degree at the Boston University School of Law. After completing his studies at Howard University, Brooke enlisted in the United States Army during World War II.
Brooke's political career began when he was elected as Attorney General of Massachusetts in the mid-1960s. He later went on to serve two terms as a United States Senator, becoming the first popularly elected African-American to hold this position. During his time in the Senate, Brooke worked with Democrat Walter Mondale to author the Fair Housing Act of 1968, a landmark piece of legislation aimed at combating housing discrimination.
Edward Brooke's tenure in the Senate was marked by his dedication to civil rights and social justice. He was known for his bipartisan approach to legislation, working across party lines to address issues affecting marginalized communities. Brooke's historic election as the first popularly elected African-American Senator paved the way for future leaders to follow in his footsteps.
Brooke was married twice, first to Remigia Ferrari-Scacco, with whom he had two children named Remi and Edwina. He later married Anne and had a son named Edward with her. In her 2008 autobiography, broadcast journalist Barbara Walters claimed to have had an affair with Brooke during the 1970s, shedding light on the complexities of his personal life.
After retiring from politics, Brooke remained active in advocating for social causes close to his heart. He continued to be a voice for marginalized communities, using his platform to promote equality and justice for all. Brooke's legacy as a trailblazer in American politics continues to inspire generations of leaders to fight for a more inclusive society.