On this day, Benjamin Lawson Hooks was born in Memphis, Tennessee. A tireless advocate for civil rights, Hooks became one of the most influential leaders in the movement for racial equality in the United States. After serving in the U.S. Army during World War II—where he faced segregation and discrimination—Hooks earned a law degree and began a legal career focused on justice and civil rights.

In 1972, he became the first African American appointed to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), where he pushed for minority ownership in media. In 1977, Hooks took the helm of the NAACP as its executive director, leading the organization through critical years of activism and growth. Under his leadership, the NAACP expanded voter registration efforts, challenged economic inequality, and promoted educational access.

Hooks also served as a Baptist minister and often spoke about the moral imperative of justice and equality. His life’s work left a lasting legacy on both the legal and civil rights landscapes in America. He passed away in 2010, but his contributions continue to inspire future generations.