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Hooks Institute Receives $5,000 Grant to Support HAAMI

The Benjamin L. Hooks Institute at the University of Memphis has received a $5,000 grant from the Philanthropic Black Women of Memphis to support the Hooks African American Male Initiative (HAAMI). In 2015, the Hooks Institute launched HAAMI to increase the retention and graduation rates of African American male students at the University of Memphis.
Current data shows that for first-time, full-time students who graduated within a four-year period, African American males have demonstrated an average graduation rate of 11.7 percent, significantly less than all other groups. The Hooks Institute's efforts with HAAMI are intended to help create prosperity for African American males, which in turn helps to collectively benefit the lives of all Memphians and create positive social change for the Mid-South and the nation.

About PBWM
The Philanthropic Black Women of Memphis' focus centers around education, children and families, and programs that prepare Memphis citizens to become self-sufficient. To date, PBWM has awarded $70,000. Members of the organization include: Mary McDaniel, Edith Kelly-Green, Carolyn Hardy, Debra Evans, Monice Hagler, Nelda Burroughs, Deidre Malone and Belinda Watkins. For more information about the PBWM and future grant opportunities, visit the website at www.pbwmemphis.org.

About the Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change
The Benjamin L. Hooks Institute implements its mission of teaching, studying and promoting civil rights and social change through research, education and direct intervention programs. For 20 years, we have addressed disparities related to education, diversity and inclusion, economic mobility and civic engagement. To learn more about current initiatives, please visit our website at memphis.edu/benhooks.

CONTACT
Nathaniel C. Ball I 901.678.3655 I ncball@memphis.edu