An Alabama A&M University student just made history in the most inspiring way—becoming the school’s oldest graduate of 2024!
At 60 years old, Allen Brooks finally earned his bachelor’s degree in liberal studies with a concentration in business management. His journey back to school started after the passing of his mother, Sarah Pearl, who had always encouraged him to finish his education.
Brooks first attended Alabama A&M in 1986 on a partial band scholarship, but his focus wasn’t where it needed to be. “I was only committed to the band, and I let myself make bad grades here and there,” he told Good Morning America. “After a while, I had to leave school and get a real job to support myself.”
Over the years, his mother never stopped reminding him of his unfinished goal. “She always told me, ‘I wish you would go back to school one day,’ and I kept saying, ‘Mom, one day, I’m going to do it.’”
That day finally came in 2020 when Brooks re-enrolled, determined to succeed. Balancing full-time work and school wasn’t easy, but he pushed through. “It was tough,” he admitted. “The classes were tough, and I was working eight hours a day, but it was worth it.”
On graduation day, his daughter, Brionna Washington, captured the emotional moment in a now-viral TikTok video. “My dad did his BIG ONE!!!! 1st Generation Grad (of 4 gens),” she proudly wrote in the caption.
To honor his late mother, the family held up custom signs with a touching image of Brooks and his mom embracing, alongside the words, “You Did It, Son.” A powerful reminder that it’s never too late to chase your dreams.
