Who Was William M. Brooks?

William M. Brooks was born in 1883 in McMinn County, near Athens, Tennessee. At the age of five, he was brought to Knoxville by his grandmother, Mrs. Ann Brooks. A year later, he was involved in an accident that resulted in the loss of his left arm. Following this, he was placed in the care of his devoted aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Bridges, where he remained until the age of fifteen. He then returned to live with his grandmother and stayed with her until her death nine years later.

At the encouragement of his foster sister, Mrs. Harriet Mitchell, Brooks returned to school. Although he faced many challenges due to his injury, he demonstrated remarkable determination from a young age.

He received his early education at Slater Training School and graduated from Knoxville College in 1904. He also pursued further study at Columbia University in New York City, the University of Cincinnati, and the University of Michigan, where he would have earned a Master of Arts degree with honors.

Brooks began his teaching career at the old Austin High School on Central Street and later taught science at Knoxville Colored High School.

In addition to his work in education, Brooks played a significant role in Knoxville’s baseball history. He served as the first secretary of the Negro Southern League and was instrumental in securing a place for the Knoxville Giants in the league following its founding in 1920.

In recognition of his scholarly achievements and dedication to public education, Brooks was elected principal of Green School, which had been established in 1909 for the city’s Black students. On January 3, 1938, shortly after returning to work following an illness, Brooks suffered a fatal fall while speaking to his students. He was 55 years old.