Dr. Marion Gerald Hood honored by the city of Atlanta

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Clark Atlanta University hosted a special ceremony to honor a man who held a silent protest during the days of segregation.

A month after his 1959 graduation from Clark, Marion Gerald Hood applied to Emory University's School of Medicine.

It sent him a letter rejecting him because of his race.

Hood went on to become an obstetrician and gynecologist.

RELATED: Georgia man reflects on medical school admission racial denial on 59th anniversary

Friday, he received a proclamation from the city.

“It is robbery not to take a moment to recognize these individuals particularly individuals like Dr. Hood who have affected so many people and he's a giant right in the midst of us,” said Atlanta City Councilman Michael Bond.

“Breakdowns don't necessarily cause you problems, breakdowns tend to make you stronger,” said Dr. Marion Gerald Hood, 1959 Clark College graduate

The city of Atlanta declared Friday Dr. Marion Gerald Hood Day.

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