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Hooks Institute Commemorates 100th Birthday of Founder Benjamin L. Hooks with Centennial Celebration  

Jan. 23, 2025 — The Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change at the University of Memphis will celebrate what would have been Hooks’ 100th birthday with a reception and screening of the Hooks Institute’s film “Duty of the Hour,” a documentary about the life of Benjamin Hooks on Thursday, Jan. 30. This special evening will give the community in Hooks’ hometown an opportunity to recognize the life and impact of a great Memphian and American. 

The celebration will take place at the Maxine A. Smith University Center Theatre beginning at 5:30 p.m. with a light reception of hors d'oeuvres and cupcakes in the foyer of the University Theatre. Speakers for the program will begin at 6:15 p.m and include Hooks Institute Executive Director Daphene McFerren and Antonio Avant from the Epsilon Phi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., followed by a showing of “Duty of the Hour,” which documents Hooks’ life from his childhood in Memphis to his years as the Executive Director of the NAACP and, finally, his recognition with the Presidential Medal of Freedom and founding of the Hooks Institute. 

This event is free and open to the public. Tickets are required and may be reserved through Eventbrite. Affordable and secure parking is available in the Zach Curlin Garage. 

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Trent Shadid
Director, Communications
tshadid@memphis.edu
(O) 901.678.3811

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