About the Benjamin L. Hooks Institute

Pursuing the Dream to Reality (2017)

Our Mission

Advancing Social Change and Strengthening Democracy

Who We Are

Created in 1996 by the late Benjamin L. Hooks and the University of Memphis, the Hooks Institute's mission is advancing social change and strengthening democracy through research, service and historical preservation.

Our mission allows the Hooks Institute to address contemporary racial, social, economic and other disparities through community engagement and faculty scholarship. The Hooks Institute's mission-based programs embody the highest ideals of service, activism, and commitment reflected by the life of our namesake Benjamin L. Hooks.

What We Do

The Hooks Institute implements its mission of advancing social change and strengthening democracy through a suite of programs, publications, exhibitions, documentaries, direct interventions and community services.  For thirty years, we have addressed disparities related to race, education, diversity and inclusion, and economic mobility.

Our History

Founded in 1996 by the late civil rights activist Dr. Benjamin Hooks in partnership with University officials, the Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change is an interdisciplinary center at the University of Memphis. It was founded by Benjamin Hooks, the Department of Political Science, and the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Memphis. Together, their common goal for the Institute was to play a pivotal role in framing and solving community problems through the wisdom and vision of pioneers such as Benjamin L. Hooks.