The Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change at the University of Memphis marked its 30th anniversary with a celebratory gala that brought together civil rights veterans, community leaders, scholars and elected officials to reflect its legacy of advocacy and to chart a course for the work ahead.
In addition to celebrating its milestone, the evening also shone a light on four “Pillars of Progress,” who represent their namesake’s ideals and strive for justice in their own corners of Memphis and the world. The evening’s awardees included the Honorable Johnnie Taylor, Joycelyn Wurzburg, The Brooks Museum and the Tri-State Defender.
The evening opened with a rendition of “Total Praise” by the late Richard Smallwood, performed by a string quartet, rhythm section and an ensemble of singers. A video tribute, the first of several throughout the night, to the institute’s namesake, the late Rev. Dr. Benjamin L. Hooks, civil rights icon, former NAACP executive director and Memphis native, would follow…