A Giant Has Fallen

Official Press Statement Issued By: Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony, President, Detroit Branch NAACP

DETROIT, April 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Dr. Benjamin Lawson Hooks, Civil Rights Leader, Author, Pastor, and the 1st African American to serve on the Federal Communications Commission, will leave a mark that will never be erased.  Our nation has lost not only a voice for the neglected and rejected, but a giant who fought for racial equality.  Known for his wit and humor but also for his laser like precision on issues that blocked the upward mobility of people of color, the passing of Dr. Hooks now leaves a void in the civil rights community.  

The Detroit Branch NAACP will particularly miss Dr. Hooks and his impact because of the special relationship to the Detroit Branch and our City as pastor of Greater New Mount Moriah Baptist Church.  For those young men and women who would seek to make a mark on the civil rights community and to open up doors for those who have been locked out to pass through they simply need to look at his footsteps.

Rev. Kenneth J. Flowers, pastor, Greater New Mount Moriah Baptist Church and a member of the Detroit Branch NAACP's Executive Board states, "The nation and the world have lost a great civil rights leader, humanitarian, freedom fighter and liberator for all people.  The NAACP has lost a giant of a man.  While we may mourn his passing, we shall celebrate his spirit and be inspired to continue fighting for freedom and equality."

The heart of our nation today is a little heavier.  The light of our vision is a little dimmer.  But the hope for our future is now much brighter because of Dr. Benjamin Lawson Hooks.  Our prayers and thoughts are with his family and friends now during this reflective hour.  

SOURCE Detroit Branch NAACP