CHARLES WILLIAM BROOKS was typical of the kind of nondescript Black men who unwittingly influenced what arguably was the greatest generation of made in American Africans in the nation’s history. Historians theorize that the offspring of Black American World War II veterans (and the women who put on overalls to work side by side-- with American males that were too old, or in some other way physically unable to withstand the rigors of physically fighting on battlefields-- in the undermanned defense plants), were imbued with qualities and attributes that made them the most self-sufficient and goal-oriented citizens America ever produced.
For sure, Brooks, who was born in a small Louisiana parish on July 20, 1921 to William and Bertha Brooks, epitomized the virtues instilled in hard working, spiritually-oriented children of former slaves, who distinguished themselves in World War I. Although World War I veterans didn’t fare as well as those who served in World War II, it changed the way Negroes thought of themselves. They were no longer simply ex-slaves, but true Americans who had helped defend their nation.

In essence, the World War I veterans were fiercely patriotic. Brooks, whose father served in World War I, had military in his blood and was anxious to serve his country. The smallish, but fiery young Brooks quickly joined the U.S. Navy after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941 and saw action in the Battles of Midway, Wake Island, Santa Cruz, Guadal Canal, and Jimmie Doolittle’s first raid on Tokyo.

One of the highlights of Brook’s life was when Admiral George D. Murray personally saved his life when he rescued him from the USS Hornett as it sank during the battle of Santa Cruz on Oct. 26, 1942. Even as a young man, Brooks demonstrated acumen for leadership and organized singing groups among the teenage service men. One of the groups, the Navy Four, sang once a week over the radio.

He also organized a singing group in a local church in Pearl Harbor. It was those singing groups that eventually led Brooks to Washington D.C., where he passed away on May 16, 2002. History records that the late Dr. William H. Jernagin (President of the National Baptist Sunday School & Baptist Training Congress), in Washington, D.C. visited Guam in and was so impressed with Brooks until he gave him a standing job offer in the nation’s capitol. Meanwhile, Brooks had obligations at home, therefore he returned to Houston where he completed high school. While in high school, he served as Chief of the Safety Patrol and as soon as he got to TSU, he organized the TSU Cadets.

Spirit filled, the gung ho military man’s work in his church earned him a page in the Houston’s Black History books. Always enamored with military precision, Brooks with the same spirit as Dr. George Washington Carver, would agree “start where you are and use what you have.” And that’s exactly what he did at Pleasant Hill BC, where he followed the beloved Wheatley High School Glee Club Director Mattie Overton Robinson. Rev. L.H. Simpson, the legendary pastor of Pleasant Hill and founder of Houston’s Black Baptist Ministers Association, allowed Brooks to create one of the foremost drill teams in the nation in 1946.  The squad quickly gained a national reputation. For sure, it was the first of its kind in Houston and not only marched in the B.Y.P.U., School Congress System but at TSU events. Donald H. Smith (now an attorney and pastor in Houston) was chosen commander in chief of the Cadets National A.F. Drill Team.

The team was chosen to march for the National Baptist Convention in Detroit, Michigan; Kansas City, Missouri; Kansas City, Kansas and Chicago, Illinois. After purchasing a home for his mother, Brooks honored his promise to Dr. Jernigan and moved to Washington, D.C. Admiral Murray once again came to his aid.  Murray not only got Brooks a job, but also allowed him to live in his home. Working with the National Security Agency, Brooks subsequently received the first National Citizenship Award for work in the community. He, however, took a big part of Black Houston with him, when he came back home and married Lee Audrey Scranton, who was somewhat a music legend in her own right.

In recent years, Brooks engaged in a variety of activities with Mount Carmel BC, the National Baptist Memorial Church and various schools in the nation’s capitol. At National Baptist Church, Brooks was Chaplain of the Sky Anchor Corporation; director of the After School Program; director of the Senior Citizens Mid-Day Program and Drill Director of numerous units. He served as coordinator for the summer youth programs, Early Bird Clubs at Cardozo and several other schools.
Brooks was recipient of the One and Only TV-9 Award, the President’s Recognition; The Catholic University Award and several Mayoral Proclamations from the city and school District of Columbia School District. Nevertheless, he was ecstatic when he was selected to be flown back to Houston to be honored during Pleasant Hill BC’s 75th Anniversary. Brooks presented the pastor, Rev. Harvey Clemons, Jr., with one of his most cherished possessions (a flag that was flown when the Japanese surrendered at Pearl Harbor), and even displayed one of his favorite marching maneuvers in the pulpit area.

For sure, Charles William Brooks passed away with a satisfied smile on his face, inasmuch as the prelude was, “I Am Satisfied,” when his long and productive life was celebrated at Mount Carmel Baptist Church. Reverends: R. Clinton Washington (Jerusalem BC), Carey Pointer, Sr. (Providence BC), Edward Campbell, Sr. and William Thorpe honored Brooks with scripture and prayer. Pastor Joseph Norman Evans delivered the eulogy, following tributes from granddaughters Latisha, Johnnetta, and Lateaisha Brooks; acknowledgements from Deaconess Barbara Campbell and words and song by Deacon Lamont Flowe, Dr. Senior Ree B. Austin and Sis. Gail Freeman. Cherishing their father’s memories are: Charles, George, Denise and Dwight Brooks; daughter-in-law, Brenda Brooks and five grandchildren: Charles A., George D.; Denise R., John W, and Dwight E. Brooks; two daughter-in-law, Brenda Brooks.

There were also 11 grandchildren: George D. Jr., Mark Jetter, Daniell, Jasmin, Stephan, Christopher, Alex, Kelly, Latisha, Johnnetta and Lateaisha who adored their delightful Paw Paw. Pallbearers were: Dwight E. Brooks (Escort General), James Allen, Gerald Bridges, Tyrone Clay, Michael Coleman and Deviore Washington. Charles William Brooks were buried with full military honors and “Taps” preceded a 21- gun salute” as his remains were interred in Quantico National Memorial Cemetery in Quantico, Virginia.