Edward Brooke, the Massachusetts Republican who was the first African-American U.S. Senator ever to be elected by the popular vote, died on Saturday at the age of 95.
Ralph Neas, a former aide, confirmed that Brooke died of natural causes at his home in Coral Gables, Florida, with his family by his side.
Brooke was serving as Attorney General of Massachusetts when he was elected to the Senate in 1966, winning as a Republican in a Democratic state—and as a black man in a country consumed by racial unrest.
He was one of only nine black Senators in the history of the United States, including President Barack Obama.
The Guardian reports:
Brooke became known for standing by his convictions, even when they deviated from those of his party or his peers.
The New York Times writes:
Despite troubles late in his political career and a messy divorce that became public, Brooke nonetheless held the respect of his peers throughout his life. The Times continues:
Brooke’s achievements broke critical barriers in the U.S., but he never presented himself as a black politician, the Times said. Still, he was aware of the obstacles that remained.
The Times continues: