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The Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change

2026 Events

December 1

"Civics & You: A Virtual Roundtable"

 Details to come!

November 10

HAAMI Annual Networking Reception

Details to come!

October 21

At the Dixon Gallery and Gardens - Munch and Learn with Hooks Assistant Director, Amy Ruggaber

Join the Hooks Institute's Assistant Director,  Amy Ruggaber at the Dixon Gallary and Gardens for her lecture "Firestorms and Futures: Art and Artists in Challenging Times."  The event is part of the Dixon's "Munch and Learn" Series, and will take place from 12 - 1pm.  

Learn more about the event, as well as how to pre-order your tickets and lunch from the Dixon's café, HERE

October 8, 22, 29

An image of a young girl holding a vase made of flame, filled with flowers.

 

"Embracing Firestorms, Envisioning Futures": The Frances Dancy Hooks Art Award & Exhibition

Get ready to dive into a vibrant world where art meets passion and creativity ignites. This in-person event showcases bold, inspiring works that explore themes of resilience and hope. Whether you’re an art lover or just curious, Hooks Art Exhibition offers a fresh perspective that’ll spark your imagination. Come join us, connect with artists, and experience an unforgettable journey through firestorms and futures! Don’t miss out on this unique chance to see art come alive.

Tickets are free, but reservations are advised.  CLICK HERE for tickets.

 

The October 22nd event will feature a lecture by Dr. Richard Lou, Professor of Photography and member of the Hooks Art Award Selection Committee.  You may read more about Lou's art and research HERE.  

The closing event on October 29th will feature live music from local cellist Tamar Love.  

September 15

Campus-Wide Voter Registration Drive

A characterature of a Ballot Box walking under the words "Your Vote, Your Voice"

National Voter Registration Day was September 15th, and the Hooks Institute celebrated by once again partnering with the Student Government Association (SGA), the University Libraries, the Memphis Chapter of the NAACP, Memphis Athletics, and the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music to host a campus-wide Voter Registration Drive.  Together with staff and deputy registrars from the Shelby County Election Commission, we registered 110 new voters!

September 11 - October 16

Hooks Civics Course Launches!

One a background of the American flag and a copy of the uS Constitution, the works "The Constitution, the Nation, and You."

 

On September 11, 2026, the Hooks Institute launched its Civics Enrichment Series, The Constitution, the Nation and You, a pilot initiative focusing on increasing civic knowledge in the democratic process among University students and others.

The class consists of six (6) sessions and explores the Constitution’s history, Preamble, Articles, Bill of Rights, the 27 Amendments to the Constitution; and economic and political systems, globally and historically. Twenty (20) very engaged students are enrolled in the class, with some students receiving extra credit in other classes for their participation.

The sections are taught by university faculty, Daphene R. McFerren, executive director, Hooks Institute, and a former attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice (Washington, DC); Dr. Brooke Shannon, assistant professor, Department of Political Science; and Dr. Elena Delavega, professor, School of Social Work.

Stay tuned for dates for abbreviated classes on the Constitution for the public!

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