Honoring the Life and Legacy of Frances Dancy Hooks

WHEREAS, Frances Dancy Hooks, was born February 23, 1927 in Memphis, Tennessee; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Hooks received her early education in the Memphis City School system and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Hooks majored in education, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree from Fisk University and a Master of Science degree from Tennessee State University; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Hooks as an educator and guidance counselor worked to inspire and motivate young people to reach their full academic, leadership and career potential; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Hooks lent her talent and intellect to numerous organizations that include Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the Women's Foundation of Greater Memphis, Memphis Prep Program, Memphis Chapter of Links, Inc., and Girl Friends., Inc; and

WHEREAS, as the wife of the late NAACP Executive Director Emeritus, Dr. Benjamin Lawson Hooks, Mrs. Hooks, as the "First Lady of the NAACP," focused on the status and role of women volunteers who provided vital support for its maintenance and expansion; and

WHEREAS, in 1978 Mrs. Hooks founded Women In the NAACP (WIN) with the mission to enhance the leadership role of women advocates for issues affecting women and for the positive development of children, and other special issues such as disaster relief.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the NAACP during this 107th Annual National Convention in Cincinnati, Ohio pauses to recognize and express our deepest appreciation for the leadership of Mrs. Hooks and her commitment to advocacy for women and children; and, 

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that members of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People commit and honor the legacy of Frances Dancy Hooks by continuing her work strengthening and establishing "WIN" Committees that address civil rights issues affecting women and children and carry out other civil and cultural activities enhancing the work of Branches.