Whip-smart intellect, old-school drive propelled Janet Hooks
In 1991, Janet Hooks became the third Black woman in the city’s history to win a city council seat and served 13 consecutive years on the council, resigning in 2005 to take a position in then-Mayor Willie Herenton’s administration. Interim Mayor Myron Lowery named her head of the city parks division in 2009. When Hooks left city government in 2015, she had given more than 23 years to the city, including two terms as council chairwoman. She died Tuesday, Oct. 10. She was 70. (The Daily Memphian file)
From the South Parkway-Heiskell Farm Historic District to city hall, she stood her ground and innovated.
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Janet Hooks John Vergos Jack Sammons AC Wharton Deidre Mal TaJuan Stout-Mitchell Subscriber OnlyThank you for supporting local journalism.
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Jane Roberts
Longtime journalist Jane Roberts is a Minnesotan by birth and a Memphian by choice. She's lived and reported in the city more than two decades. She covers business news and features for The Daily Memphian.
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