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The Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change

2026 Events

Upcoming Events

 

Past Events

October 8, 22, 29

Hooks Art Award 2026 Embracing Firestorms, Envisioning Futures

In the space of energetic change, society can feel uncertain, dangerous, and even destructive, much like a wildfire. This exhibition invites artists to consider both the Firestorm and the Future. What burns away and what comes next?

Memphis-based artists reflect on the challenges and opportunities in a volatile world. Diverse mediums, perspectives, and visions.

This year's exhibition will feature thirteen original pieces from Memphis-based artists in the Dr. Ralph Faudree Gallery of the Benjamin L. Hooks Institute.  Pieces include acrylic paintings, mixed media, digital renderings, photography, ceramic, and silkscreen.

The winner of the 2026 Frances Dancy Hooks Art Award is D'Angelo Connell for his piece, "Still Wrapped in Hope."

Finalist Artists    

Joshua Tyler, Katrina Leggett, Mr. Suit & Tiee, D'Lindo Artistry, Bryant Walker, Yea That Artist, Richard Beckwith, Melody Gordon, D'Angelo Connell, Isabella Drenzek, and D.Weaver.

September 11 - October 23

Hooks Civics Roundtable: The Constitution, the Nation, and YOU.

A United States flag with the words "The Constitution, the Nation, and You."

To help facilitate and promote the understanding of the interplay between civics, democracy, and civic responsibility, the Hooks Institute is offering a course on Civics: Hooks_1101. The course will feature exploration of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, including the Bill of Rights and the Reconstruction Amendments.  Additionally, students will learn about Federalism and the relationships and reponsibilities of local, state, and federal governments as well as economic and polictical systems globally and historically. 

  • Fri., Sept 18.  The Constitution: The Articles and the Bill of Rights - DapheneMcFerren, executive director, Hooks Institute
  • Fri., Sept. 25. The Reconstruction Amendments - Thirteenth, Fourteenth and Fifteenth: The Political, Social and Economic Impact to the end of legal slavery. - Dr. Brooke Shannon, Department of Political Science
  •  Fri., Oct. 2. Federalism - Local, State and National Governments: Examining voter participation, the branches of government and policy making at the local, state and national levels - Dr. Brooke Shannon, Department of Political Science
  • Fri., Oct. 16. Understanding Economic and Political Systems Globally and Historically: Their power, values, and goals - Dr. Elena Delavega, School of Social Work

April 10

30 Years and Still Rising: The Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change Pillars of Progress Gala

 

Save the Date card for the Hooks Institute's 30th Anniversary Gala.

 

For 30 years, the Hooks Institute has united partners from the public, private, nonprofit, and university sectors to take on challenges that hold communities back — from poverty and barriers to good health, to gaps in opportunity and education. We champion civil rights scholarship, preserve history, prepare University of Memphis students for bright, successful futures, and work with communities to solve community problems.

Our progress has been made possible by a powerful community of supporters — generous donors, dedicated staff, and visionary partners — who believe in Memphis and in the promise of social change.

As we mark our 30th anniversary in 2026, we remain committed to bold, innovative work that transforms lives. We are 30 years and still rising — and we invite you to rise with us to build a Memphis where everyone can reach their full potential.

Join us in our celebration!  Tickets are available now at memphis.edu/hooksgala!  

February 23

Panel Discussion on Breast Health Research and Hooks Policy Papers!

Flyer for Breast Health Event

On February 23, 2026, the Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change will present a panel discussion titled “Breast Health in Memphis: Research, Policy & Action.” The event will be held at the University Center, River Room (300), 5:30 PM.
 
Researchers from the UT Health Science Center and the University of Memphis’s Loewenberg School of Nursing will present findings from an NIH-funded grant on breast health in segregated communities in Memphis. The research reveals that Black women living in segregated communities experience higher breast cancer mortality rates when compared to White women living in segregated communities.
 
The findings from this study will be published in the “Policy Papers of the Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change” Winter 2026. This edition of the Policy Papers was funded by the NIH grant, and copies will be available at the event.
 
Additionally, at this event, the West Cancer Foundation (Memphis, TN) will provide breast health resources to the public, regardless of insurance status, including assistance with mammogram scheduling and access to additional supportive services.
 
This event is free and open to the public.  Let us know you're coming by emailing bhievents@memphis.edu

February 5

Hooks National Book Award Presentation and Lecture - "Medgar and Myrlie: Medgar Evers and the Love Story That Awakened America" Featuring Joy-Ann Reid, Author

On the book cover the title is printed in red and features images of Medgar and Myrlie Evers sitting together on a couch, smiling, as well as images of the protest marches after Evers' assasination..

The Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change at the University of Memphis will present the Hooks National Book Award to Joy-Ann Reid, author of "Medgar and Myrlie: Medgar Evers and the Love Story That Awakened America" on Saturday, February 7th at 2pm.  

Quick View Event Details:

Hooks National Book Award Presentation and Lecture
The Michael D. Rose Theatre, University of Memphis Central Campus
Saturday, February 7, 2pm

Reserve tickets at memphis.edu/HooksBookAward

Sponsored by:

Presenting Sponsors |  UofM African & African American Studies Program; UofM Hardin Chair of Excellence in Journalism

Community Sponsor | Memphis Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; Ting Internet and Mobile  

 

Following University of Memphis Entities:

Department of English
Department of History
Marcus W. Orr Center for the Humanities

November 11

Hooks Institute Annual Student Networking Reception

The Hooks Institute hosted its annual Student Networking Reception to advance social change by empowering University of Memphis students to strengthen their networking skills for career readiness and to be leaders in our community. Students enjoyed meeting community professionals and UofM faculty and administrators to gain insights into making the most of their collegiate experience to prepare for success after graduation.

 

October 9 - 28 

The Frances Dancy Hooks Art Award and Exhibition 2025: "Art = Freedom."

Mural of a girl pulling back a curtain of a gray concrete wall to reveal colorful and positive graffiti underneath.

The Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change at the University of Memphis has chosen 12 pieces from an impressive group of submissions for the 2025 Frances Dancy Hooks Art Award and Exhibition. The finalist works, which focus on the theme “Art + Freedom,” will be on exhibition in the Dr. Ralph Faudree Exhibition Hall in the Hooks Institute offices during public open house events on Oct. 21 and 28.

Visitors will be able to view each of the finalist works, which provide commentary and reflection on a wide array of issues exploring personal and social change as well as freedom itself. The finalist artists are Arely Herrera, Chavela Racine, Yea That Artist, Machal Wright, LaAndrea Deloyce, Katrina Boza Leggett, Lonnie Robinson, TEO, Valarie Sparks, Denzel Johnson and Kailyn Jamille.

Named in honor of Frances Dancy Hooks, the award and exhibition are in its second year. It is designed to acknowledge the importance and impact of artists in the work of social change. 

 

April 23

Hooks Institute Pillars of Progress Gala

 

Pillars of Progress Gala Logo Image Main

On Wednesday, April 23, 2025 the Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change at the University of Memphis will honor organizations and individuals who have made significant contributions to advancing equity, inclusion and social justice. They include A2H Engineers Architects Planners, Just City and the Memphis Business Journal along with the Honorable Bernice B. Donald, Dorothy Cleaves and Dr. Andy Meyers. Learn more about these "Pillars of Progress" here.

The Hooks Institute proudly recognizes these honorees for their impactful contributions to the community in their respective fields. Their dedication to the greater Memphis communities has helped create a stronger, more vibrant Memphis by uplifting those who remain at the margins of society.

Proceeds from the event will support the Hooks Institute’s vital programs, including community engagement, faculty research, student success initiatives and the preservation of civil rights history.

Sponsored by the Following Entities:

Premiere Sponsor | Nike 

Supporting Sponsors | Cigna, The Memphis Grizzlies, Pinnacle Financial Partners, Regional One Healthcare, and Friends of Just City

 

The Host Committee for the Pillars of Progress Awards Gala included:

Audrey Davis, Jesse J. Turner, Steve Swain (Hooks Board Members) Daniel and Meggan Kiel (Friends of the Hooks Institute), Willie Gregory (Nike), JW Gibson (Gibson Companies) and the Hooks Institute staff.

The Hooks Institute deeply appreciates the support from the following departments and faculty at the University of Memphis:

College of Arts and Sciences
Division of Research & Innovation
Faculty Friends of the Hooks Institute
Herff College of Engineering
Office of Governmental & Community Affairs
School of Urban Affairs and Public Policy

March 3

Reception with author and civil rights movement veteran Charles Cobb, Jr.

Meet Charles Cobb Jr., journalist, author of "“This Non-Violent Stuff’ll Get You Killed," and veteran of civil rights movement org., SNCC.

February 19 

Black Inclusion Guild (First Horizon Bank), “Labor Leadership, and Legacy Panel."

Panelists, Daphene R. McFerren, Hooks Institute Executive Director., Ernest Strickland, CEO, Black Business Association and Vernon Stafford, Chief Audit Executive of financial services, panelists.

February 13

West TN PBS -"Tennessee is Talking."

Daphene R. McFerren, Hooks Institute Executive Director, provides a historical overview of the Fayette County, TN Civil Rights Movement that began in 1959 when African Americans demanded the right to vote.

See the video here.

February 12

IBM Tech Talk - "AI and Bias in the System"

Amy Ruggaber, Hooks Institute Assistant Director, spoke to students from institutions of higher learning around the world in IBM's monthly Tech Talk on the importance of recognizing and working to correct information gaps and the resulting inherent bias in the Large Language Models used to train generative AI. 

February 5

Hooks National Book Award Presentation and Lecture - "Our Secret Society" Featuring Dr. Tanisha C. Ford, Author

On the book cover the title is printed in gold lettering and features a photo of Mollie Moon in a black and red evening gown.

The Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change at the University of Memphis will present the Hooks National Book Award to Dr. Tanisha C. Ford, author of Our Secret Society: Mollie Moon and the Glamour, Money, and Power Behind the Civil Rights Movement on Wednesday, February 5 at 6:00 PM. The event, in partnership with the University of Memphis’ Graduate Association for African-American History (GAAAH), will include the award presentation and a lecture by Dr. Ford. There will be a reception, with light hors d’oeuvres, reminiscent of Mollie Moon’s soirees, at 5:30 PM .

Quick View Event Details:

Hooks National Book Award Presentation and Lecture
The Michael D. Rose Theatre, University of Memphis Central Campus
Wednesday, February 5, 5:30 PM – 7:30PM

Sponsored by the Following University of Memphis Entities:

African and African American Studies Program
English Department
History Department
Marcus W. Orr Center for the Humanities

January 30

Centennial Celebration: Commemorate the 100th Birthday of Benjamin L. Hooks

The Flyer for the Ben Hooks 100th Birthday Celebration

The Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change at the University of Memphis will celebrate what would have been Hooks’ 100th birthday with a reception and screening of the Hooks Institute’s film “Duty of the Hour”, a documentary about the life of Benjamin Hooks on Thursday, January 30, 2025.  This special evening will give the community in Hooks’ hometown an opportunity to recognize the life and impact of a great Memphian and American. 

Quick View Event Details:

Centennial Celebration: Commemorate the 100th Birthday of Benjamin L. Hooks.
The University Theatre in the Maxine A. Smith University Center, University of Memphis Central Campus
Thursday, January 30th 5:30 PM – 8 PM
Hosted by the Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change at the University of Memphis in partnership with the Epsilon Phi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.