Benjamin Hooks
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MEMPHIS, Tenn. (ABP) — Civil-rights icon and Baptist minister Benjamin Hooks died April 15 in Memphis, Tenn. He was 85.
The former executive director of the NAACP was pastor of Greater Middle Baptist Church in Memphis for 52 years before retiring in 2008. For 30 of those years, 1964-1994, he served simultaneously as pastor at Greater New Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in Detroit, preaching on alternate Sundays in Michigan and Tennessee while leading the NAACP from 1977 to 1992.
Trained as a lawyer, Hooks in 1965 became the first black judge in the South since Reconstruction. He was also the first African-American commissioner for the Federal Communications Commission, nominated by President Richard Nixon in 1972.
In 2007 he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George W. Bush.
President Obama, who met with Hooks while running for office, issued a lengthy statement about his passing.
"Our national life is richer for the time Dr. Hooks spent on this Earth," Obama said. "And our union is more perfect for the way he spent it: giving a voice to the voiceless. Michelle and I offer our thoughts and prayers to his wife, Frances; his daughter, Patricia Gray; and all who knew Dr. Hooks through his extraordinary good works."
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Bob Allen is senior writer for Associated Baptist Press.