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Edward Brooke
	1919-2015
Politicians from both sides of the aisle are mourning he death of "trailblazer" Edward Brooke, the first popularly elected black US senator. He was 95.
Brooke died on Saturday of natural causes at his Florida home, surrounded by his family.
Brooke, who represented Massachusetts from 1967-1979 in the US Senate, championed laws to benefit the disadvantaged during his two terms.
President Barack Obama hailed his "extraordinary life of public service"
"Ed Brooke stood at the forefront of the battle for civil rights and economic fairness," Obama said. "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."
The Massachusetts Republican Party also praised the "decorated war hero" as a "highly respected legislator responsible for shaping our nation's laws and ensuring equal rights for all men and women."
Born October 26, 1919, Brooke served in the US army during the second world war, fighting in Italy as part of the all-black 366th Infantry Regiment and earning a Bronze Star.

A liberal Republican who grew up in racially divided Washington, Brooke served in the 100-seat US Senate for two terms. Before Brooke, other African Americans had served in the Senate but they were chosen by state legislatures rather than elected by popular vote.
During a ceremony awarding Brooke the highest civilian award in the US in 2009, Obama said he had "followed the trail" Brooke had blazed through the segregated United States.
Brooke was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and received honorary degrees from more than 30 colleges and universities.
Brooke studied at Howard University in Washington and practiced law.
Before joining the Senate, he was the attorney general for Massachusetts. He was the first black person to hold a state attorney general post in the US.
"Senator Brooke's accomplishments remind us that anything is possible in our country," said Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell.
Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus also paid tribute to a man he called a "pioneer and an inspiration to many" through his life story and relentless commitment to public service.
Secretary of State John Kerry, a former Democratic senator, agreed. "Ed Brooke: trailblazer, gentleman, public servant personified. Guts and integrity. God bless," he wrote on Twitter.
After Brooke, Democrat Carol Moseley Braun was elected and served in the 1990s as the second black US senator.
Obama was the third-ever elected black member of the US Senate.
Following Obama, black senators Cory Booker, a Democrat, and Republican Tim Scott also won elections to the US' highest legislative body.
Booker was elected to the chamber in 2013.
After being appointed to the post in 2013, Scott won a special election to hold his seat in 2014.
A "deeply saddened" Scott took to Twitter to say that Brooke "was a true trailblazer; those of us who followed cannot thank him enough".
Former congressman Allen West said Brooke was a "fine role model and vanguard".
Brooke is survived by his wife Anne, children Remi, Edwina, Edward and stepdaughter Melanie. He also leaves behind four grandchildren.
In September 2002, he was diagnosed with breast cancer, and subsequently underwent a double mastectomy.
He later spoke publicly about a disease that many men are not aware of.
 


	New US Congress includes more women and minorities
The 114th Congress that convenes tomorrow will count more minorities and women than ever, although lawmakers remain overwhelmingly white and male in the Republican-controlled House and Senate.
A record 104 women will serve in Congress, and for the first time, black members of both genders and representing both parties will be among the ranks on Capitol Hill.
The number of female lawmakers is up slightly from 100 at the close of the last Congress, but represents about 20 per cent of the total in Congress. It's far less than the nearly 51 per cent of the US population women comprise. A total of 96 racial minorities will serve in Congress, about 18 per cent.
There are 100 senators and 435 member of the House. The House will have 246 Republicans and 188 Democrats. One seat is vacant.
The Senate will have 54 Republicans and 44 Democrats, plus two independents.
Associated Press


Edward Brooke, first elected black US senator, dies at 95

US President Barack Obama congratulates Congressional Gold Medal honoree Brooke. Photo: Reuters

Edward Brooke celebrates winning nomination. Photo: AP

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First elected black senator represented Massachusetts in Washington for two terms, championing rights of the disadvantaged


Politicians from both sides of the aisle are mourning he death of "trailblazer" Edward Brooke, the first popularly elected black US senator. He was 95.


Edward Brooke, first elected black US senator, dies at 95

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}First elected black senator represented Massachusetts in Washington for two terms, championing rights of the disadvantaged

First elected black senator represented Massachusetts in Washington for two terms, championing rights of the disadvantaged