Edward W. Brooke, the first African American popularly-elected to the U.S. Senate, has died at 95.
Brooke, a Massachusetts Republican, served from 1967 until 1979. He died Saturday in Coral Gables, Florida of natural causes, Boston.com reports.
Brooke was the first black senator elected since the period just after the Civil War, called Reconstruction. He was a World War II veteran and was awarded The Bronze Star.
"A decorated war hero, this Massachusetts Republican was a highly respected legislator responsible for shaping our nation's laws and ensuring equal rights for all men and women," said Massachusetts Republican Party chair Kirsten Hughes in a statement.
Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick said Brooke stands among prominent Massachusetts politicians such as John F. Kennedy and John Quincy Adams.
“He carried the added honor and burden of being ‘the first’ and did so with distinction and grace. I have lost a friend and mentor. America has lost a superb example of selfless service,” Patrick said on Twitter.
Gavin Stern is a national digital producer for the Scripps National Desk.
