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Allen Brooks is a strolling testomony that for those who imagine it, you may obtain it.
The 60-year-old graduated from Alabama A&M College in December 2024, changing into the oldest graduate to obtain a level from the traditionally Black establishment. In keeping with Good Morning America (GMA), the historical past maker graduated together with his bachelor’s diploma in liberal research with a focus in enterprise administration.
In a TikTok publish shared on Dec.16, 2024, Brooks’ daughter, Brionna Washington, recorded her father, trying emotional and beaming with delight as he accepted his diploma through the commencement ceremony. Washington and her “cuz” Leshia Younger broke down in tears watching Brooks have fun his hard-earned diploma. In keeping with Brooks’ interview with GMA revealed Jan. 28, the 60-year-old returned to highschool in 2020, after he failed to finish his research at Alabama A&M in 1986, a purpose he aimed to satisfy in honor of his late mom, Sarah Pearl Brooks.
“My dad did his BIG ONE!!!! 1st Technology Grad (of 4 gens),” Washington captioned her viral video which amassed over 11 million likes and 50 million views.
“Though his purpose was for his mother (who handed whereas ending his LAST CLASS),” the proud daughter penned. “My Cuz Leshia Younger made these tear dropping indicators to signify her. I imply me and my aunts tore up!!!! I’m so pleased with my daddy!!! He’s the epitome of strolling in YOUR Goal…”
Brooks’ youngest son additionally attends Alabama A&M College and obtained to witness his commencement.
In an interview on The Jennifer Hudson Present Jan. 31, Brooks shared that the ceremony was much more particular as a result of he obtained to expertise it with each his daughter and his youngest son, a freshman at Alabama A&M.
“He performs within the band and I used to be strolling in, he was taking part in ‘Pomp & Circumstance, ’and him and I made eye contact. I couldn’t have deliberate that second. It was wonderful.”
Learning for difficult exams and finishing homework for his diploma wasn’t all the time straightforward, however when instances obtained robust, Brooks realized to depend on his household’s assist and sought energy from his mom, asking for steerage from above.
“Once I would get to a degree in my research to the place I’d be like, ‘Oh man, I’m getting fogged up finding out for this examination,’ I’d flip round and name [my mom],” Brooks instructed GMA final month.“I’d simply speak to her, and [when I] get off the cellphone, issues would begin clicking,” he added. “I say she was with me each step of the way in which.”
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