Congressman Al Green Laments the Death of Dr. Benjamin L. Hooks and Praises His Historic Leadership for Civil Rights

(Houston, TX)--Today, Congressman Al Green (TX-09) lamented the death of Dr. Benjamin L. Hooks and praised his historic and continuing leadership in the civil rights movement and as executive director of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

“Dr. Hooks’ life should be studied as a superb example of public service pursuing the cause of liberty and equality in America. His legacy is exceptionally valuable because he always advocated for the disadvantaged, but he also strongly promoted personal responsibility and the desire to become a better person through education and help to the community,” Congressman Al Green said.

Congressman Al Greeb underlined the fact that Dr. Hooks’ biography is one full of achievements. “He was the first African-American criminal court judge in Tennessee’s history and he also was the first African-American who became a member of the Federal Communications Commission. And, even before that, he got a law degree in the 1940’s, when African Americans had an extremely arduous time in succeeding at such goal,” he specified, adding that Dr. Hooks received “a more than well deserved recognition” when he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2007.

Congressman Al Green also stressed the transcendental leadership Dr. Hooks’ proved as the NAACP’s executive director from 1976 to 1992. “When the board of directors elected him membership was decreasing. Through a sense of determination and vision always guided by bravery and dignity, Dr. Hooks’ managed to restore the NAACP’s reputation and progressively elevate it to the position of social and political prominence it holds currently."

“From time to time, history produces human beings that decide to devote their lives to a cause. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is certainly one of the best examples and Dr. Benjamin L. Hooks’ name also deserves to be regarded as a member of that category because of his persistence in the magnificent endeavor for equality in America and the compassion he showed and promoted all throughout his career,” Congressman Al Green said.