NAACP Statement on the Passing of Pioneer, Former Senator Edward W. Brooke III

The NAACP has released the following statement on the death of Senator Edward W. Brooke III:

“The NAACP mourns the loss of the great pioneer and public servant, Senator Edward W. Brooke III. Senator Brooke, who broke barriers as the first African American to be elected to the Senate after Reconstruction, was a courageous and staunch advocate for civil rights and economic opportunity for all. A highly respected legislator, Senator Brooke played a key part in the passage of low-income housing bills earning him the title “Mr. Housing”. Senator Brooke was also revered for rising above partisanship to move our country towards becoming a more perfect union. He achieved many accomplishments and accolades throughout his life, including being a recipient of the Spingarn Medal – the NAACP’s highest honor — from former NAACP Executive Secretary Roy Wilkins and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2004 .  Senator Brooke’s legacy and leadership will be forever remembered and live on into history. Our sincerest condolences to his family, friends and everyone whose lives he touched.”