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 JealousPresident 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.
“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.
