[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 53 (Thursday, April 15, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E573-E574]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    DEATH OF THE GREAT CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVIST, DR. BENJAMIN L. HOOKS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. AL GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 15, 2010

  Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, today, this nation lost a 
historic and influential figure in the struggle for civil rights, Dr. 
Benjamin L. Hooks. Dr. Hooks served this country throughout his life 
through his unwavering devotion to protecting the rights of minorities 
and the poor. I express my condolences to his family and all of those 
who were touched by his many years of service to our community.
  Dr. Benjamin L. Hooks was a man of great character and moral 
conviction. He served as the executive director of the NAACP for over 
15 years, restoring the organization's financial soundness and 
membership base. He created several initiatives to combat 
discrimination, from projects that provided employment opportunities in 
Major League Baseball to economic development initiatives in urban 
communities.
  This great civil rights leader not only served as executive director 
of the NAACP, but also served our great nation as a World War II 
veteran. His experiences in the war led to his fight against social 
injustices in the United States. Dr. Hooks also served in the ministry, 
as a minister at the Greater Middle Baptist Church in Memphis, 
Tennessee. His work will live on through his contributions to our 
society as well as the Benjamin L. Hooks Institute at University of 
Memphis.
  Dr. Hooks was a great friend of mine, a thoughtful mentor, but more 
importantly, he was a stalwart champion of the least, the last and the 
lost. His philanthropy will be remembered forever and serve as an 
inspiration and guide for futures to come.

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