We're saddened by the passing of Dr. Benjamin Hooks, who did so much to fight racism and create a more equal opportunity through his civil rights work. An e-mail from Rev Yearwood, of the HipHop Caucus, said some things about Dr. Hooks we thought were worth sharing:

"Dr. Hooks was a true renaissance man - a minister, lawyer, judge, businessman, television producer, and the first African-American FCC commissioner. He was head of the NAACP through a period of transition and expansion in the 1970s. He was a leader who connected the multiple generations of the civil rights movement; from achieving major advances in the 1960s and early 1970s, to defending against the retrogressive forces in the 1980s and early 1990s, to today as we celebrate the first African American President and also face the challenges of fighting racism in the 21st century.

Dr. Hooks was a leader throughout the transitions and different iterations of our struggle for equality and opportunity over the past 60 years. We will miss him dearly. With the passing of Dr. Hooks, we are evermore reminded that the movement is a continuum, and that with two steps forward comes one step backwards, but that through continuity we can overcome anything. So on this historical Earth Day next week, no matter where you are, find a way to get involved, and advocate for renewing our economy, reviving our communities, and restoring our planet."

Here's the AP news on his passing:

Dr. Hooks on his legacy at the NAACP: