UofM’s Hooks Institute Invites Sponsorships of April 18 Donor Appreciation Reception to Support Social Change Mission

March 23, 2023 — The Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change at the University of Memphis will host a Donor Appreciation Reception on April 18 at 6 p.m. in the River Room of the Maxine A. Smith University Center. The theme of this event is “Mission Possible” and will be a celebration of the positive outcomes of the Institute's work and to thank its generous supporters. Proceeds from the fundraising event will go towards supporting the critical programs of the Hooks Institute dedicated to progressing the community and county to a more equal future. The Institute invites individuals and organizations who wish to support our programs and mission to purchase sponsorships for this event at memphis.edu/benhooks/2023reception.

The evening will be hosted by the Hooks advisory board, Hooks staff and university students who have benefited from the Institute's transformative programs, including the Hooks African American Male Initiative (HAAMI) and A Seat at the Table (ASATT). These programs provide coaching and mentoring to students, with the goal of improving their academic outcomes and preparing them for success in their personal and professional lives after graduation.

Guests at the event can look forward to an evening filled with great food, captivating presentations and good music. The event will include presentations from HAAMI and ASATT students who will share their perspectives on the impact of these programs in preparing them to succeed in college, with their careers and in life. There will also be discussions about the contemporary relevance of Hooks documentaries, including “Facing Down Storms: Memphis and the Making of Ida B. Wells” (2022) and “Duty of the Hour (2016),” a documentary on the late Dr. Benjamin L. Hooks, and upcoming projects.

Faculty highlights of Hooks Institute research publications and grants focused on eradicating racial, economic and other disparities will also be presented. Additionally, pictorial highlights of Hooks Institute programs, including the Fayette County Civil Rights Movement exhibit unveiled at the Memphis International Airport, will be on display.

The event will also feature a media tour showcasing the renovation of the 11th floor of Wilder Tower, which will house the Hooks Institute's brand-new offices and programs. This state-of-the-art space will support expanded programming, including documentary and video production, and provide ample space for student engagement.

The Hooks Institute invites the community to join us for an evening of celebration of its work and mission to create a more just and equitable society.

About the Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change

The Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change implements its mission of teaching, studying and promoting civil rights and social change through research, education and direct intervention programs. The Hooks Institute is an interdisciplinary center at the University of Memphis, and its contributed revenue, including funding from individuals, corporations and foundations, is administered through the University of Memphis Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization.

For more information on the Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change and the upcoming Donor Appreciation Reception, visit memphis.edu/benhooks. Join the Institute in celebrating its work and supporting its mission to create a more just and equitable society.