Posted Nov. 14, 2007 – Black lawmakers today are remembering former California Democrat Augustus F. Hawkins as a champion of civil rights, servant of the people and guardian of the American dream.  A founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus who spent 56 years in politics, Hawkins died this week at the age of 100.

“He is the author of some of the most significant legislation ever passed in the House … particularly in the areas of education and labor,” said Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.), whose fiery demeanor contrasts greatly with that of the soft-spoken man she called her mentor. “He cared about poor and working people.” Waters holds the seat that Hawkins vacated more than 16 years ago.

By the time the legendary lawmaker resigned in 1990, at age 83, he had left his fingerprints on a host of historic pieces of legislation, namely the section of the landmark 1964 Civil Rights Act that created the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission; the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act, which not only helped create jobs but got those who needed them most qualified to fill them; the Youth Employment and Demonstration Projects Act of 1977, which recognized the importance of employing young people and involving them in conservation and community-improvement activities; and the Pregnancy Disability Act of 1978, which served notice to employers that getting pregnant was no longer grounds for terminating women, and required companies to cover pregnant workers with health insurance.

Before being elected to Congress in 1971, Hawkins served in the California State Legislature.  The first African American from California to be elected to Congress, he spent his time in the House working on fair housing, education and civil rights while representing his district as a Democrat from the South Los Angeles district.

He helped unite his fellow Black lawmakers – that’s when Blacks were stilled called “Negroes,” and there were few who made it to the esteemed halls Congress. Without his early involvement to mold a unified voice on issues important to African Americans, who knows whether the Caucus would have gained its current clout? There are now 43 members representing more than 40 million Americans.

Rep. John Lewis, (D-Ga.), another lion in the Civil Rights Movement, remembers meeting with Hawkins several times in the 1960s.  He was not afraid to visit Selma, visit Birmingham, and cities in Mississippi when hostility and tension peaked, Lewis said. As a member of Congress, Hawkins felt it was his responsibility to see first-hand what was happening at the heart of the Movement, Lewis said.

Rep. Carolyn Kilpatrick (D-Mich.), chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, understands that her current position is a direct result of Hawkins labor. “As the first African American elected to the United States House of Representatives from the West, Hawkins tirelessly served the constituents of Los Angeles, Calif., and the nation with a tamed spirit and roaring determination,” she said.

Thelma T. Daley, former National President of Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority and vice chairwoman of the National Council of Negro Women, was with me when I heard the news of Hawkins’ passing.  “He was a great supporter of Delta Sigma Theta’s programs under the leadership of our national president, Geraldine Pittman Woods, a native of California,” she said.

Lisa Ransom, the granddaughter of the congressional pioneer recalls his long, illustrious service. “My grandfather was a tremendous public servant who built a 56-year career serving his country,” she said in a statement. “That’s a long time to serve, and it reflects on his great character and the quality of him as a person.”

Hawkins never fully retired.  He continued to work, sitting on boards and interacting with community leaders, especially in the area of education.