Oct. 28 (Bloomberg) -- The first African-American U.S. president today honored Edward William Brooke, the first black elected to the U.S. Senate by popular vote, as winner of the Congressional Gold Medal.

Brooke “spent his life breaking barriers and bridging divides across this country,” Obama said in ceremonies at the U.S. Capitol. Brooke, who turned 90 this week, made history when he was sworn in as a Republican senator from Massachusetts on Jan. 10, 1967.

Obama joined Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California and other congressional leaders at the award ceremony. The award, the highest bestowed by Congress, recognizes distinguished achievements and contributions.

Brooke, a graduate of Howard University in his native Washington, D.C., served in the segregated 366th Infantry Regiment at Fort Devens in Ayer, Massachusetts. After serving in World War II, he returned to Massachusetts and entered politics.

Brooke became the first black Massachusetts attorney general after winning election in 1962. He won election to the U.S. Senate four years later, joining Democrat Edward Kennedy in representing Massachusetts in that chamber.

Kennedy died Aug. 25. His wife, Victoria, attended today’s ceremony.

Brooke was defeated by Democrat Paul Tsongas in 1978.

Congress passed the bill designating Brooke for the award in July 2008.

The Congressional Gold Medal has been awarded since 1776. Winners have come from all walks of life, including actors, authors, entertainers, musicians, pioneers in aeronautics and space, explorers, lifesavers, notables in science and medicine and athletes, among others.

Last year the award went to Michael E. DeBakey, the pioneering heart surgeon. He died July 11, 2008.

To contact the reporter on this story
Kate Andersen Brower in Washington at 
Kandersen7@bloomberg.net;

Last Updated: October 28, 2009 11:38 EDT