He specializes in race relations, identity, representation and culture. Brooms' research investigates representations of African American identity and culture within the media. His two recent publications examine how slavery is represented in African American museums and how black-centered museums use Africa to legitimate African American identity. His research focuses on African American boys and men, specifically examining their educational experiences, identity development and representations in the American culture. Brooms holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Chicago, a master’s degree from Clark Atlanta University and a doctorate in sociology from Loyola University Chicago.