For decades, Allen Brooks promised his mother, Sarah Pearl Brooks, that he would finish college, and in December 2024, at the age of 60, he made that promise a reality by graduating from Alabama A&M University with a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies, concentrating in business management.
Brooks first enrolled at Alabama A&M in 1982 on a partial band scholarship but left in 1986 without completing his studies. Over the years, he built a life and started a family, yet his mother never stopped encouraging him to return to school. In 2020, he finally re-enrolled while balancing full-time work, determined to fulfill his lifelong goal.
Despite the challenges of juggling work and rigorous coursework, Brooks remained committed. He often sought motivation from his mother, calling her whenever he struggled with his studies. “She was with me every step of the way,” he recalled.
Sadly, just months before his graduation, Brooks’ mother passed away in June 2024. Though devastated, he remained determined to finish what he had started, believing she was still with him in spirit.
Brooks’ daughter, Brionna Washington, shared an emotional TikTok video capturing his graduation moment, which quickly went viral, amassing over 50 million views. The video inspired thousands, with many viewers sharing how his perseverance motivated them to complete their own educational journeys.
Reflecting on his journey, Brooks hopes his story will encourage others to chase their dreams, no matter the obstacles. “The key is to never stop—and even if you do, you can always pick back up where you left off,” he said.