Documentary, lecture to highlight Hooks legacy

Rodney Slater, former U.S. Secretary of Transportation under President Bill Clinton, will speak about the life and legacy of civil rights activist Benjamin Hooks at the Michael D. Rose Theatre on Thursday at 5:30 p.m.

"I think that (Hooks') legacy challenges us to continue to be about the business of ensuring that all have an opportunity to participate in the American dream," Slater said.

The University of Memphis' Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change is sponsoring Thursday's event.

"We want students to come to this event to learn how to serve their local community and nation while still meeting their career goals," said Daphne McFerren, director of the institute.

Hooks fought for the United States in World War II, but as an African-American, was denied equal rights upon returning to the U.S.  In response, he became an activist for civil rights in Memphis during the tumultuous 1960's.  

In 1972, President Richard Nixon appointed Hooks to serve as a commissioner for the Federal Communications Commission.  Hooks was the chief executive officer of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People from 1977 to 1992.

A screening of the trailer for the documentary of Hooks' life, "Duty of the Hour," which will be released this spring, will be shown at the event.

"(‘Duty of the Hour' is) a reflection on the life of someone who had a tremendous impact not only on Memphis and the Mid-south, but the entire country," Slater said. "I knew Dr. Hooks and know how important his legacy remains through the ongoing quest for America to becoming a more perfect union."

The Hooks Institute is located in the College of Arts and Sciences.  A reception will take place Thursday from 5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the Michael D. Rose Theatre lobby. The lecture is free and open to the public.