Benjamin Hook Research Papers

“If you think you are leading and turn around to see no one following, then you are just taking a walk.” (Benjamin Hooks). Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2007, Benjamin Hooks was truly a hero for African Americans everywhere. Pastor, Attorney, and NAACP Executive director, Benjamin Hooks was responsible for restoring the NAACP with enrollment and funds, which played a major role in maintaining the dignity of this organization.

Grandson of the second African American woman to graduate college, Benjamin learned the importance of education from an early age. Benjamin also learned segregation, and how it affected all aspects of life, especially his school life. Hooks graduated from Howard University and then went to DePaul to

He was terribly burdened when he saw his Italian prisoners being treated better than him and his men. The prisoners were allowed to eat at restaurants that Hook’s own men were excluded from. This misdeed started a fervent fire for civil justice in Benjamin Hooks that would not be extinguished until rights were given the people who rightfully deserved it. Benjamin Hooks left the Army with a rank of Staff Sergeant.

After his discharge, Hooks learned what he must do. He became a lawyer in Memphis, TN and began his work. Benjamin Hooks became a public defender in 1961 and represented many people in civil rights cases. He faced bitter opposition but continued to represent those who were treated unfairly. He became a criminal judge in 1965, and he was the first African American to do so. He worked as a judge for three more years before he resigned to head a chain of chicken restaurants started and run by African Americans. This decision would forever change his

He created the NAACP ACT-SO which is a major you academic competition that is important in finding talented and smart young people everywhere. Hooks also created programs that allowed women to begin working for the NCAAP. This change was huge as it allowed more minorities to be represented by the NAACP, as well as increasing a surplus of new jobs, and an even more powerful outreach. Finally, Benjamin released the “Fair Share Program,” this program reached out to multiple companies, to work together in economic projects for African Americans. He also led community radiothons that brought awareness to local work for minorities as well as increase NAACP