1925 - 2010
In the history of the American civil rights movement, there are figures whose influence extends far beyond their official roles. Benjamin L. Hooks, often referred to simply as Ben Hooks, was one such figure. As a lawyer, ordained Baptist minister, and civil rights activist, he played a crucial role in the struggle for equality.
A pioneer from Memphis
Benjamin Lawson Hooks was born on January 31, 1925, in Memphis, Tennessee. After serving as an infantryman in Italy during World War II, he studied law at DePaul University in Chicago. At the end of 1948, he found himself at a crossroads: faced with the threat of unrest in the South, he left his studies to join the growing civil rights movement in his hometown.
His commitment quickly bore fruit. Hooks became the first African-American criminal judge in Tennessee. But his work was not limited to the courtroom. He was heavily involved in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and eventually rose to the top of one of the most important civil rights organizations in the US: from 1977 to 1992, he was president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
His influence extended to the highest political circles. In 1972, President Richard Nixon appointed him to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Hooks was the first African American to hold this office – a milestone that underscored his tireless advocacy for equality.
Hooks met Mahalia Jackson in his early years as a preacher. This encounter developed into a deep friendship. He admired her innate intelligence and sharp humor. Hooks was convinced that the moral influence of Martin Luther King Jr. had a decisive impact on the last years of Mahalia Jackson's life. She herself had a deep admiration for King. Hooks recalled a special moment during the famous March on Washington when she whispered in King's ear, “Martin, tell them about your dream.”
Hooks also admired Jackson for her unwavering commitment to singing gospel music exclusively. He described her devotion to her community as almost superhuman. He often wondered what she would have become if she had received formal vocal training, but concluded that it might have destroyed her unique style. The two also discussed Jackson's plans for a gospel temple, a project close to her heart that underscored her true love for evangelical work.
After the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968, Mahalia Jackson became the face of the fast food chain “Mahalia Jackson Chicken Systems,” headquartered in Memphis. Hooks took over as president of the company. His goal was to give black entrepreneurs a chance. The franchises were awarded exclusively to black investors, which was praised in the black press as an exemplary promotion of entrepreneurship.
Despite these promising beginnings, the company failed. Weak market conditions, excessive production requirements, and financing problems led to its collapse. One detail that underscores Hooks' integrity: he didn't take a penny from Jackson and instead supported her financially when the company failed.
Hooks received numerous honors for his life's work. In 1986, he was awarded the NAACP's Spingarn Medal, and in 2007, President George W. Bush presented him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States. Benjamin L. Hooks died on April 15, 2010, in his hometown of Memphis. His life is a shining example of how a single man can change the face of a nation through courage, conviction, and tireless dedication.