[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 53 (Thursday, April 15, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S2360]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF BENJAMIN HOOKS

  Mr. BURRIS. Mr. President, early this morning, we awoke to sad news 
out of Memphis, TN. This country has lost a civil rights pioneer, a 
strong leader, and a witness to history.
  Benjamin Lawson Hooks fought all of his life for freedom, prosperity, 
and universal equality. When the world was consumed by war, Benjamin 
put on the uniform of the 92nd Infantry Division and rendered honorable 
service to his country.
  When peace was won and America looked inward today to address 
policies of discrimination and inequality, he was on the frontlines 
once again, standing with visionaries such as Rev. Dr. Martin Luther 
King, Jr.
  At every turn, and at every moment in his life, he waged to fight 
against injustice. He became an attorney and was eventually appointed 
as the highest ranking Black Federal judge in the State of Tennessee. 
But that was only the beginning of a remarkable career in public 
service.
  Benjamin Hooks was the first African American to serve on the Federal 
Communications Commission, where he spoke out against biased reporting 
in the media and called for minority ownership of TV and radio 
stations.
  In 1977, he was unanimously elected as President of the National 
Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the NAACP--a 
position he would hold with distinction until his retirement in 1993 
and which would come to define his career.
  Throughout those tumultuous years, Benjamin Hooks was at the 
forefront of the nonviolent struggle for civil rights. He constantly 
challenged old assumptions, stood up to discrimination, and fought 
against those who defended the status quo.
  He taught us the courage to live out our convictions. He showed us 
how to translate our dearest principles into words and action.
  In 1980, he became the first national leader to address conventions 
of both political parties. He denounced those who resorted to violence, 
and he personally led prayer vigils, peaceful protests, and countless 
other popular demonstrations.
  At various times throughout his career, Benjamin Hooks served as a 
pastor, a soldier, a judge, and a political leader. He fought for 
equality in the courtroom, on the pulpit, on the airwaves, and even on 
the battlefield, but never did he act for personal gain. Not once did 
he forget the cause of justice that he and others dedicated their lives 
to defend.
  So great was the legacy of this civil rights leader, so deep was the 
impact he had on the fabric of our society, that even today, on the sad 
occasion of his passing, I cannot help but feel a lasting sense of 
pride in the profound and enduring accomplishments he leaves behind.
  Benjamin Hooks will be sorely missed by all who knew him, 
particularly his family, to whom we express our deepest condolences 
today.
  Even as we mourn his loss, I urge my colleagues to join me in 
celebrating his memory and honoring the living legacy he leaves behind. 
I am sure Benjamin would be the first to remind us that we must not 
pause in remembrance for long because there is much work yet to be 
done.
  Let us take up this fight. Let us defend the principles that guided 
Benjamin Hooks throughout his life and embrace the spirit that drove 
this pioneer to reach for equality, fight for opportunity, and aspire 
to greatness.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Pennsylvania is recognized.
  (The remarks of Mr. Specter pertaining to the introduction of S. 3214 
are located in today's Record under ``Statements on Introduced Bills 
and Joint Resolutions.'')
  Mr. SPECTER. Mr. President, in the absence of any other Senator 
seeking recognition, I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. LeMIEUX. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent the order for the 
quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. LeMIEUX. I ask to speak as in morning business.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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