Obama Honors Nation’s First Popularly Elected Black Senator

By Travis Martinez – University of New Mexico/Talk Radio News Service

President Barack Obama along with congressional leaders awarded former Senator Edward William Brooke with the Congressional Gold Medal on Wednesday. Brooke was recognized for the years of work he did on civil rights issues, and for being the first popularly elected African-American senator in U.S. history.

“It is a great privilege to be here today as we confer the Congressional Gold Medal on a man who’s spent his life breaking barriers and bridging divides across this country,” said the President.

Brooke served in the Senate from 1967 until 1979. During this time, he became known as a leading advocate for affordable housing, and against discrimination in housing. A 25-year military veteran, Brooke also served as the Attorney General of Massachusetts prior to his career in Congress.

The ceremony also included a tribute to the late Sen. Edward Kennedy, who lost his battle with cancer two short months ago. Kennedy served side by side with Brooke in the Massachusetts U.S. Senate delegation. Members of Kennedy’s family, including his wife Victoria, and son, current Rhode Island Congressman Patrick Kennedy (D), attended the ceremony.