Dr. Benjamin L. Hooks dies at the age of 85

Benjamin Hooks was an American civil rights leader. He was a defender of the minorities and a legendary NAACP director. Hooks died today, April 15 at his Nashville, Tenn., after a long illness. He was 85.

Hooks was a Baptist minister and a lawyer. He served as executive director of the NAACP for many years and was a vocal campaigner for civil rights throughout his career in the United States.

Hooks was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2007 by late Pres. George W. Bush. He was also inducted in the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame at the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site on January 12, 2008.