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Ex-NAACP chief Hooks lies in repose in Detroit

By AP

DETROIT –

The body of longtime NAACP head Benjamin L. Hooks is lying in repose at a Detroit church where he preached for 30 years even while serving as a Tennessee judge, Federal Communications commissioner and national civil rights leader.

An honor guard carried Hooks' casket into Greater New Mount Moriah Baptist Church Monday afternoon, and mourners lined up out the door to pass by in respect.

Hooks was pastor at the church from 1964 to 1994. He flew to Detroit twice a month to minister there.

The 85-year-old died Thursday in Memphis, Tenn., where his funeral is planned Wednesday.

After President Richard Nixon named him to the FCC, Hooks became NAACP executive director in 1977 and helped rebuild its membership.

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