Senator Benjamin Brooks: Commissioner Interview
Commissioner Spotlight: Senator Benjamin Brooks
Each month, we are afforded the incredible opportunity to sit in conversation with one of our Commissioners for a chance to delve deeper into who they are, the passions that have driven their careers and the journey that has led them to where they are today. For this month’s interview, we had the pleasure of speaking with Senator Benjamin Brooks of Maryland’s 10th Legislative District in Baltimore County, who shared a great deal about his experience as a public servant.
One of thirteen children, Senator Brooks was born and raised in Sumter, South Carolina. At the age of nineteen, he and a close friend enlisted in the U.S. Army through the “Buddy Plan,” a program that allowed friends to enlist and train together. Although the arrangement lasted only three days before they were assigned to separate training camps, both were deployed to Vietnam six months later, stationed at opposite ends of the country. They would not reunite until after returning to the United States.
Senator Brooks served in Saigon, where he balanced military duties with academic pursuits, completing his first six college credits through the University of Maryland University College. When not in the field—climbing poles, running communications cable, or pulling guard duty—he attended classes in person. Reflecting on his time in Vietnam, Senator Brooks spoke of the strong camaraderie among African American soldiers, who comprised approximately 18 percent of the armed forces despite representing only 11 percent of the U.S. population. As symbols of unity and resilience, they wore black armbands and crosses fashioned from boot laces and greeted one another with the “dap” handshake, which Brooks explained stood for “Dignity and Pride.”
Senator Brooks completed the final six months of his military service at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He recalled the stark contrast between the extensive preparation for deployment and the minimal support provided for transitioning back to stateside duty. Returning home was often difficult, particularly for young veterans—the average age of a Vietnam veteran was just nineteen. As Brooks reflected, “We could take a shot from an AK-47, but we couldn’t take a shot from a glass.” The legal age to purchase and consume alcohol was twenty-one, even in combat. During this time, he faced persistent provocation from his commanding officer and even requested redeployment to Vietnam, a request that was denied. He credits his father’s guidance and encouragement with helping him remain grounded during this challenging period.
After completing his military service, Senator Brooks finished his education at South Carolina State University. He was later recruited as a cost accountant for Joseph E. Seagram & Sons, a position that eventually brought him to Relay, Maryland. After eleven years with the company, he established his own accounting practice, which he operated for four decades.
Though he never intended to seek public office, Brooks was encouraged in 2006 to run for the Baltimore County State Central Committee. He accepted—and won. “I said yes,” he recalled, “and so did the constituents.” He went on to serve two successful terms in the House of Delegates before being elected to the Maryland Senate.
Throughout our conversation, Senator Brooks emphasized that his motivation for public service is simple: “doing things to make the lives of Marylanders better.” He credited his family as a major influence, noting that several relatives served in the U.S. military, including his father, who was the recipient of a Bronze Star for his valor in World War II.
Senator Brooks also pointed to his mother’s generosity as a guiding influence. “She would give you the shirt off her back,” he said, “just don’t try to take it from her.”
In state government, Senator Brooks has had the unique experience of serving in both chambers of Maryland’s bicameral legislature. Among his legislative priorities are veteran services, financial literacy, and civic engagement. As Chair of the Senate Veterans Caucus, he remains particularly focused on supporting veterans, especially those who served in Vietnam. He laments that “we were shown no love when we got back home.”
Beyond veterans’ issues, Senator Brooks is deeply committed to empowering young people through financial literacy. He also stressed the importance of teaching youth, not only how laws are made, but how they can actively influence the legislative process. He stated, “I don’t know what percent they are of our present, but I can guarantee you that they are one hundred percent of our future.”
Looking ahead, Senator Brooks expressed enthusiasm for legislation that would designate “The Heart of Maryland” by Cambridge singer-songwriter Jayla Elise as the official state song. He explained that the previous state song was repealed in 2021 because some of its lyrics failed to reflect the dignity and diversity of all Marylanders.
In closing, Senator Brooks shared his appreciation for the work of the Maryland Two Fifty Commission and its mission to unite Marylanders through a shared love of state and country. Senator Brooks is not only a respected leader, but a true embodiment of lifelong service.