by Mark Silva
President Barack Obama, who has spoken often of "the arc of history,'' today honored one of the men who paved a path for the president's own historic election.
The president conferred the Congressional Gold Medal on former Sen. Edward W. Brooke, the first African American elected to the Senate by popular vote.
With Brooke, 90, seated behind him in the Capitol Rotunda, the president joined ranking Republican and Democratic lawmakers in granting an award "bestowed by this body of which he was an esteemed member, presented in this place where he moved the arc of history, surrounded by so many, myself included, who have followed the trail that he blazed."
Brooke, a Republican from Massachusetts, served two full terms, from 1967
to 1979, during which he promoted racial equality and worked to increase the minimum wage and low-income housing.
He was born in Washington, D.C., in 1919 and graduated from Howard University before serving in the Army during World War II. He earned a law degree from Boston University.
"America's greatness lies in its wondrous diversity,'' read a statement by Brooke in the ceremony's program. "Our magnificent pluralism has made our country great. Our ever-widening diversity will keep us great."
(President Barack Obama is pictured in the Rotunda of the Capitol during a ceremony for former Massachusetts Sen. Edward Brooke, seated at right, awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. Photo by Alex Brandon / AP)
Comments
Glad to see Edward Brooke recognized in this manner.
I wonder what the Congressional Medal looks like though?
~sent from ASUS 1005HA netbook http://bit.ly/44CHFm
Posted by: Reuben Gathright ~ Computer Analyst | October 28, 2009 1:34 PM
A well-deserved honor for a great American, former Senator Edward M. Brooke. He has served his country well, given past-practice towards African-Americans. Lest we forget, he was also a Republican, when that word meant something !!
Congratulations, former Senator Brooke.
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE AND WHOLE. NOW.
Posted by: Don Fitzgerald, IL | October 28, 2009 2:44 PM
What did Baba Wawa have to say about it?
Posted by: Kenny Bunkport | October 28, 2009 5:30 PM
The Senator's name is Edward W. Brooke III. (not middle initial M.)
Posted by: edward brooke | October 28, 2009 5:31 PM