Naomi Brooks facts for kids

Naomi Lewis Brooks was an important American educator and a leader in non-profit groups. She lived from 1934 to 2020. An elementary school, Naomi L. Brooks Elementary School, is named after her.

Early Life and Learning

Naomi Ethel Lewis was born on April 14, 1934, in Alexandria, Virginia. She was the oldest of five children. Her family went to Oakland Baptist Church. As a child, she attended the Seminary School for Colored Children. Later, she took the city bus to Lyles-Crouch Elementary School and Parker-Gray High School.

In 1951, Brooks finished high school as the second-best student in her class. This was at a segregated all-Black high school. While in high school, she was a star player on the girls' basketball team. She even broke school records for the most points scored in a season and in one game.

Brooks earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. She got this from Virginia State College (now Virginia State University). Later, she also earned a Master's degree in Elementary Education from the same college.

A Career Helping Others

In 1955, Brooks started her teaching career. Her first job was at Charles Houston Elementary School. She also taught at other schools like Cora Kelly Elementary and Lynbrook Elementary. Because her husband was in the military, her family moved often. She taught in places like the Philadelphia Naval Yard, the U.S. Army Education Center in Alaska, and Central State University.

Throughout her life, Brooks held important leadership roles. She worked with groups like the Girl Scouts, United Way, and the American Red Cross. When her husband was stationed in Fort Hood, Texas, Brooks helped many military spouses. She supported over 500 women in the Officers' Wives club and Non-Commissioned Officers' Wives group.

Later, her husband, Leo A. Brooks Sr., retired as a Major general. He then became the Managing Director for the City of Philadelphia. At that time, Brooks was the executive director of the Coles House organization. This group helped young women from all over the world.

Family Life

In 1955, Brooks married her college sweetheart, Leo A. Brooks. They had three children together. Their children are Leo A. Brooks Jr., Vincent K. Brooks, and Marquita Brooks.

She was also a member of several important groups. These included the International Literacy Association and the American Association of University Women. She was part of the Kappa Delta Phi sorority. Brooks was also a lifelong member of the Alfred Street Baptist Church.

Lasting Impact

Brooks passed away on May 21, 2020. She was 86 years old. She died at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital.

Special Recognitions

In 2019, just before she died, Brooks received a special award. It was called the "Dean's Cross" award from the Virginia Theological Seminary. This award honors great leaders. It recognizes people who work for fairness and peace for everyone.

Naomi L. Brooks Elementary School in Alexandria City Public Schools is named after Brooks. The school used to be called "Matthew Maury Elementary School." It was renamed in 2021 to honor Naomi L. Brooks.