January 30th 2025.
Allen Brooks had a tough time balancing a full-time job and his studies, but he was determined to keep the promise he made to his late mother. At 60 years old, the native of Brewton, Alabama returned to Alabama A&M University to complete his bachelor's degree, over three decades after leaving the school in 1986.
In December of 2024, Brooks finally achieved his goal and officially became a college graduate. He earned a bachelor's degree in liberal studies with a concentration in business management from Alabama A&M. Reflecting on his journey, Brooks shared with ABC's Good Morning America, "It was tough. The classes were challenging. I was still working eight hours a day and going to school, but it was all worth it."
Brooks had initially enrolled at Alabama A&M in 1982 on a partial band scholarship. However, he became too focused on the band and neglected his studies, causing his grades to suffer. He eventually had to drop out in 1986 and start working to support himself and his family. Throughout the years, Brooks' mother, Sarah Pearl Brooks, always encouraged him to return to school and complete his studies. He made a promise to her, saying, "Mom, one day I'm going to do it." And in 2020, he fulfilled that promise by enrolling at Alabama A&M to finish his degree. Despite working a full-time job, Brooks managed to juggle his courses and stay on track.
Brooks' daughter, Brionna Washington, couldn't be prouder of her father's accomplishment. She took to TikTok to share a video of the family celebrating Brooks' graduation day. In the video, family members can be seen holding up signs in honor of Brooks' mother, who sadly passed away before she could witness her son's graduation. The emotional moment moved Washington to tears, and she wrote in the caption, "He is the epitome of walking in your purpose and not for society!"
Pearl Brooks had passed away in July, just a few months before her son's graduation ceremony for his bachelor's degree. Although she couldn't be there in person, her spirit was definitely present on this special day for her son. Brooks' family and loved ones, along with the support of his community, celebrated his achievement and recognized the determination and dedication it took for him to fulfill his promise to his mother.
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