A Man of Many Firsts: Memoirs of Norward J. Brooks, PhD

When Norward J. Brooks was born in 1934, his parents did not know he would grow into a man who would break barriers, overcome obstacles and accomplish far more than ever imagined. This book is an inspiring account of how he became a Man of Many Firsts, almost upon entering this world.Cleo Spencer Brooks and Ivory Brooks were overjoyed at the birth of their healthy happy baby, especially since their first child (a son) died in childbirth. This had a huge impact on his parents. They welcomed him with an abundance of care. The experience of losing a child strengthened their determination to protect him from all harm and danger. They surrounded him with love and doted on his every accomplishment. His Mother enlisted the help of his Grandparents, Joseph and Annie Spencer, who did not need much persuasion.It is within this protective environment that he entered the world, not as his parent’s first born, but as their first to survive. Despite their efforts he almost died as a toddler and spent months in an oxygen tent. He learned to read at an early age and started school at age four. His parents had two more sons, Herbert and Ivory, but sadly lost two more boys during childbirth. Norward lost his beloved Mother to breast cancer when he was just 16 years of age, yet somehow he managed to graduate from high school with honors the same year. He was valedictorian of his class. From humble beginnings to prominent positions, this incredible man has been opening doors and climbing steps to success all his life.He is a Man of Many Firsts; the first person in his family to graduate from college, (magna cum laude); the first African American appointed to a cabinet position in King County; first Director of King County Records and Elections; the first African American appointed to the Washington State Governor’s Cabinet; first African American Commissioner of the Washington State Employment Security Department and the only Commissioner appointed by two different Governors; first African American Comptroller for the City of Seattle; first African American Martin Luther King County Assessor; first African American Director of Administrative Data Processing for the University of Washington and more.Known for mentoring, advising, and encouraging others, he shares some of his experiences, advice and hopes for the future. Read how he used his dedication, determination and expertise to better the lives of others.Married to his college sweetheart, Violet, he celebrates his 70th wedding anniversary with the love of his life as this book is being published.This book is an account of the setbacks and successes that shaped him into a Man of Many Firsts. Read more