Johney Brooks facts for kids
Johney Brooks (born February 7, 1933 – died October 1, 2016) was an amazing American educator. She worked for the US Department of State and the Peace Corps. Her work mainly took her to countries in Africa. She also served at embassies in places like Turkmenistan and Papua New Guinea.
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Johney Brooks's Early Life and Education
Johney Brooks was born in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Her parents, Thomas and Beulah Johnson, were sharecroppers. She grew up in Texas and California.
Becoming a Scientist and Teacher
After serving in the military, Johney went to college. She earned a bachelor's degree in biology from California State University, Los Angeles. Later, she got a master's degree in chemistry at the University of Arizona. She also trained to become a teacher. Johney continued her studies at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). There, she focused on international education.
Johney Brooks's Career Journey
Johney Brooks had a very interesting career. She started by serving her country.
Serving in the Air Force
In 1951, Johney joined the United States Air Force. This was during the Korean War. She served for two years and was honorably discharged in 1953.
Working as an Educator and Chemist
After her military service, Johney worked as a chemist in Los Angeles. She also taught high school science in Los Angeles and Compton. Later, she became a school administrator in Sacramento and Pomona. She even taught at Humboldt State University as an assistant professor.
Helping Others Around the World
Johney Brooks loved to help people learn. From 1969 to 1971, she taught science teachers in Uganda. This was part of a program by the USAID.
Later, from 1982 to 1985, she became a director for the Peace Corps in Gambia. The Peace Corps is a group that sends American volunteers to help other countries. She also worked at the Bahá'i World Centre in Haifa.
Johney held important jobs at US embassies in many countries. These included Tunisia, Niger, Sierra Leone, Guyana, Turkmenistan, and Papua New Guinea. She helped build good relationships between the US and these nations.
Johney Brooks's Family and Beliefs
Johney Brooks was a follower of the Bahá'i religion. This faith teaches about unity and peace.
Her Children and Legacy
Johney had two children. Her daughter, Alexis Brooks de Vita, is a professor of English. Her son, W. Abdullah Brooks, is a public health physician. He teaches at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Johney Brooks passed away in 2016 at the age of 83. She died in Lake Katrine, New York, after some health problems.