Therefore he was encouraged to do well in his studies and to prepare for higher education. As a young man Hooks was drawn to the ministry, although he was very shy. His father actively discouraged the calling, however, so Hooks enrolled in a pre-law course of studies at LeMoyne College in Memphis. By that time he could already add his name to the legion of black Americans who were tired of being forced to use segregated bathrooms, lunch counters, water fountains, and other public facilities. My bladder is messed up because of that.
Stomach is messed up from eating cold sandwiches.
During the Second World War, Hooks even found himself in the humiliating position of guarding Italian prisoners of was who were allowed to eat in restaurants that were off limits to him. The experience helped to deepen his resolve to do something about bigotry in the South. No law school in his native Tennessee would admit him. Hooks earned his J.D. degree in 1948 and promptly returned to Memphis, vowing to help break down segregation. He passes the Tennessee Bar examination and opened up his own law practice, confronting prejudice at every turn.