Brooks Featured on GMA, Set to Appear on ‘The Jennifer Hudson Show’

Allen Brooks’ journey of determination and love has captured hearts worldwide. At age 60, Brooks became the oldest graduate at Alabama A&M University’s December 2024 Commencement, fulfilling a decades-old promise to his late mother, Sarah Pearl Brooks. His inspiring story, shared by his daughter, Brionna Washington, on TikTok, has amassed over 50 million views, propelling the Brooks family into the spotlight.

After leaving AAMU in 1986 without a degree, Brooks returned to honor his mother’s wish that he one day finish his education. “I promised her I’d do it,” Brooks told “Good Morning America (GMA).” Following her passing in July 2024, he found renewed motivation to keep his promise. “Mom is still with me,” he said. “There’s no way I was going to stop.”

Despite working full-time, Brooks persevered, earning a degree in liberal arts with a concentration in business management. His wife of 19 years, Ursula Brooks, and their children were in the audience to cheer him on as he crossed the stage.

“This meant so much to him,” Ursula shared. “We’re all so proud.”

Brooks told GMA his story began in 1982 when he first enrolled at Alabama A&M on a band scholarship. But without focus, he left before completing his degree. “I let myself make bad grades and eventually had to get a real job to support myself,” Brooks admitted. Years later, his mother’s consistent encouragement became a beacon of hope.

“She always said, ‘I wish you would go back to school,’ and I’d tell her, ‘One day, I’ll do it,’” Brooks shared.

That day finally came in 2020, when he re-enrolled at AAMU and began balancing classes and full-time work. His daughter told GMA she worried the loss of his mother in July 2024 would derail him, but it only strengthened his resolve.

Brooks’ journey has become a symbol of perseverance and the enduring power of love and family. His son, Evan Brooks, now a freshman at AAMU, performed with the University band during his father’s commencement ceremony. And his daughter Brionna, who also left AAMU, is now thinking about returning.

Brooks and his daughter will appear on “The Jennifer Hudson Show” this Friday at 4:00 p.m. CST on Fox. Brooks and his wife are also flying to Los Angeles Friday to see their son Evan and the Marching Maroon & White Band perform in the Honda Battle of the Bands.

Brooks says his family is taking this whirlwind journey one day at a time, but he’s happy to share his tribute to his mother’s unwavering belief in him. “She was with me every step of the way,” he said. “Even though she’s gone, she left me just enough to cross the finish line.”