Thursday, April 22, 2010

Fresh water.. Passing of Dr. Benjamin Hooks

America lost a hero.

Dr. Benjamin L. Hooks was among the greatest Americans of the 20th century. A crusading lawyer who fought against oppression and a courageous, committed organizer who used communication to move mountains -- Dr. Hooks lifted the Civil Rights movement, breaking down racial barriers.

But above all else, he was a believer -- a believer in righteousness, justice and truth.

I'll never forget being a young organizer, watching Dr. Hooks address the '93 March on Washington. He stood there in front of the Washington Monument in his blue blazer and starched white shirt. In my eyes, Dr. Hooks was Superman. For those of us who came of age in the '70s and '80s, he was the most visible advocate for civil and human rights, the man who dared to push corporate America to opens doors to people who looked like us.

My thoughts and prayers are with the Hooks family in this tragic time. Will you take a moment to share your stories or sympathies with them?

http://www.naacp.org/news/press/2010-04-15/index.htm

As we grieve over the loss of this incredible individual, we must remember to be thankful for the legacy he leaves behind and continue to honor Dr. Hooks by fighting with 'truth, justice and righteousness on our side.'

Yesterday, we lost a hero, a patriot and above all a friend. But in Dr. Hooks' passing his legacy remains -- a legacy that will improve the lives of generations to come.

Share your stories or sympathies with the Hooks family:
http://www.naacp.org/news/press/2010-04-15/index.htm

Sincerely,

Benjamin Todd Jealous
President and CEO
NAACP
MEMPHIS, TN – Family and friends said goodbye Wednesday 4/16/2010 to civil rights pioneer Dr. Benjamin Hooks. Thousands of people turned out for the funeral service at Temple of Deliverance. The crowd – which included U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander, U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, and Shelby County Mayor Joe Ford – honored Hooks as a legend, and a pioneer.

“We are here to honor the godfather of the NAACP and the civil rights movement,” said Benjamin Todd Jealous, president and CEO of the national NAACP.

“He was a judge, an author, a theologian, a broadcaster, and a soldier,” said Memphis Mayor A C Wharton. “He was a Renaissance man of the Civil Rights Movement -- that was Dr. Benjamin Hooks.”

“Ben helped to liberate not just a people, but a nation,” said U.S. Rep. John Lewis, from Georgia. “Ben Hooks was a warrior!”

The crowd that packed the church included those who had joined that liberation struggle with Hooks, who was the first black criminal court judge in Tennessee, and the first black person appointed to the federal communications commission. He also led the national NAACP for 15 years.

“I have lifelong memories of a giant,” said Maxine Smith, executive secretary of the Memphis branch of the NAACP for many years. “We were partners in the struggle, and lifelong friends. He will never really leave us because so much of him is still with us.”

Activist and entertainer Dick Gregory said that struggle was part of Hooks’ legacy.

“That struggle, the liberation of the masses – that voice that went around the world,” said Gregory.

Even the White House mourned the loss of that voice, sending a representative to the funeral who offered condolences from President Barack Obama.

But those who knew and loved Hooks believe the loss is only temporary.

“Ben didn’t leave us, he just went ahead of us,” said Michael Hooks Sr.

Tony Browder Presentation - 4/30/2010


Friday, April 16, 2010

(757 Event) Black Men’s Health Forum

Faced with the daunting health disparities that impact African American men, the American Cancer Society, South Atlantic Division, is presenting the 4th Annual African American Men’s Health Forum, April 24, 2010, from 8:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., in the new Student Center, Norfolk State University, 700 Park Avenue. Routinely attended by more than 400 men from throughout Hampton Roads, this FREE event is designed to serve as a clarion call to African American men to take a decidedly proactive role in their own healthcare.

NFL great Bruce Smith serves as the Honorary Chair of the 2010 African American Men’s Health Forum and WVEC-TV 13 News Morning and Noon Anchor LaSalle Blanks and WKUS-FM Kiss 105.3 radio personality DJ Big Dose will serve as the Masters of Ceremonies. The keynote address will be delivered by Norfolk Circuit Court Judge Jerrauld Jones. The event will also feature an array of free health screenings, an advocacy and legislative brief by Virginia Delegates Algie T. Howell and Kenneth C. Alexander, a free luncheon, numerous exhibitors, a wealth of health literature, and free parking. The free medical screenings offered include blood pressure, blood glucose, oral cancer and HIV screenings. Additionally, vouchers will also be available for free prostate examinations.

Plenary sessions offered include in-depth review of such important health issues as Health Disparities, conducted by Norfolk State University Professor Howard Duncan, Ph.D.; Surviving Prostate Cancer, a revealing personal story by Charles W. Hill, Founding Member and 1st President, Hampton Roads Prostate Health Forum; Colon Cancer and Nutrition, presented by cancer survivor and gastroenterologist Bruce Waldholtz, M.D.; and Prostate Cancer: A Medical Perspective, featuring medical oncologist Mark T. Fleming, M.D.

Forum Chairperson and motivational speaker Ed Sykes will end the forum with a call to action for the men to take care of their health. “I was emotionally moved when I saw these men start lining up at 7:30 a.m. for the 8 a.m. health screenings at our last forum,” said Ed Sykes. “These are men from all social-economic backgrounds wanting to improve the quality of life for themselves, for their families, for their communities.” "I am looking forward to sharing new health innovations while adding the advocacy portion to our program so that the men can take advantage of the new Health Care Laws."

The African American Men’s Health Forum is sponsored by the American Cancer Society, the Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation, Bon Secours Health Systems of Hampton Roads, Sentara Healthcare Systems, Virginia Oncology Associates, WVEC-TV, WKUS-FM, and the New Journal & Guide. Onsite registration begins promptly at 8:15 a.m., but advance registration is strongly encouraged. Participants can register online at http://www.cancerhealthforums.org/ , by clicking the “Register Now” button. For further information and to telephone registration, call the American Cancer Society at 757-493-7962.

African-American Men's Health Forum 2010
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Check-in begins at 8:15 a.m.
Programs begins at 10:50 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
The New Student Center at Norfolk State University
700 Park Avenue, Norfolk, Va.

The Forum Directions Schedule Registration Speakers & Panelists Sponsors Resources

Death rates are higher among African American men. Be empowered to live a longer, healthier life! Presented by the American Cancer Society, this event is FREE—including health screenings, health information, lunch, prizes, and parking.


WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW !
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The Imani Foundation
http://www.imanifoundation.com/