2022 Events
Upcoming Events
Stay tuned for news and updates on upcoming Hooks Institute events!
Events are free and open to the public unless otherwise stated.
Past Events
April 19
National Premiere
Facing Down Storms: Memphis and the Making of Ida B. Wells
A Feature Length Documentary on Civil Rights Activist Ida B. Well (1862-1931)
April 19 | 5:30 PM Reception | 7 PM Program & Screening
Halloran Centre for Performing Arts & Education
225 S Main St, Memphis, TN 38103
About the Documentary
Facing Down Storms: Memphis and the Making of Ida B. Wells explores how the unique
cultural and social atmosphere of late 19th century Memphis, Tenn. indelibly shaped
Ida B. Wells as a journalist and activist. The 1892 lynchings of three men, including
a dear friend of Wells, fueled her zealous efforts to combat the widespread acceptance
of the lynching of African Americans in the United States. Wells used the power of
journalism to expose to international audiences the injustices of the rising practice
of lynching: a form of extralegal execution often taking the form of mob violence
against African Americans.
Cocktail Attire
Masks strongly recommended.
Premiere proceeds support the programs of the Hooks Institute.
Parking
Paid parking is available at the public parking garage, the MLGW Garage, 234 S. Front
Street. By car, guests enter from S. Front Street and exit by foot through the Main
Street exit and walk next door to the Halloran Centre, 225 S. Main St.
Feb. 28
The Hooks Institute and the Memphis 13 Foundation held a a film screening and panel
discussion on "The Memphis 13," a documentary on the 13 children who integrated Memphis
City Schools featuring members of the Memphis 13.
In October 1961, thirteen African American first graders took courageous steps to
enter four formerly all-white elementary schools to break the practice of segregation
in Memphis City Schools. A half-century later, the stories of these pioneering children
form the foundation of the documentary, The Memphis 13 (2011).
The film uncovers a hidden story of the Civil Rights Movement and honors the children
who lived it while raising contemporary questions about children breaking barriers.
The film, which was initiated thanks to a faculty research grant from the Hooks Institute, features interviews with all thirteen pioneering families, as well as with white students, a teacher and local civil rights leaders.
Feb. 8
Hooks National Book Award Presentation "Franchise: The Golden Arches in Black America” by Marcia Chatelain
Tues. Feb 8, 6 p.m. CST | Facebook Live, Hooks Institute Facebook Page
Lecture by Marcia Chatelain on her 2020 Hooks National Book Award winning work "Franchise: The Golden Arches in Black America."
“Franchise” investigates the untold history of the cooperation among fast-food companies, politicians, civil rights leaders and black entrepreneurs in the years following the 1960s civil rights movement. This untold history looks at how the prevalence of fast-food restaurants in Black communities today resulted from a push by these groups for what they saw as an economical solution to racial disparities in America's Black communities — the franchising of fast-food restaurants in black neighborhoods by Black people. “Franchise” illuminates the power of Black-owned franchises in a larger freedom struggle while also explaining how corporations such as McDonald's have deprived genuine wealth in Black urban communities.
Watch the full lecture on our YouTube page:
This event was co-sponsored by the following University of Memphis partners:
African and African American Studies Program, Department of English, Department of
History, and the Marcus W. Orr Center for the Humanities.