Eldridge Hawkins facts for kids

Eldridge Hawkins is an American lawyer and politician who was born on September 4, 1940. He was a member of the Democratic Party and served in the New Jersey General Assembly from 1972 to 1978. During his time there, he helped create important laws for New Jersey.

Eldridge Hawkins: A Life of Public Service

Eldridge Hawkins dedicated his career to law and public service. He worked to make laws fairer and to protect people's rights. His work in the New Jersey government and as a lawyer helped many communities.

Early Life and Education

Eldridge Hawkins grew up in East Orange, New Jersey. He went to Rutgers University and earned a degree in Political Science in 1962. Later, he studied law at Seton Hall Law School and became a lawyer in 1966.

Starting His Legal Career

After law school, Mr. Hawkins worked for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in Washington D.C. The EEOC is a government agency that helps make sure everyone has a fair chance at jobs, no matter their background. He was one of the first lawyers to work there.

Later, he moved back to New Jersey and became a head attorney for Newark Legal Services. This organization provides legal help to people who cannot afford it. He also directed Monmouth County Legal Services, continuing to help people with legal issues.

Time in Politics

Eldridge Hawkins served as the city prosecutor for East Orange from 1970 to 1972. In this role, he represented the city in legal cases.

Serving in the New Jersey General Assembly

In 1971, when he was 31 years old, Mr. Hawkins was elected to the New Jersey General Assembly. This is a part of the New Jersey state government that makes laws. He was elected again in 1973.

While in the Assembly, he led the Judiciary, Law, Public Safety and Defense Committee. This committee was in charge of laws about courts, safety, and defense. He helped write the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice, which is a set of laws about crimes and punishments. He also supported New Jersey's Affirmative Action Law, which helps ensure fair opportunities for all people.

Running for the Senate

In 1977, Mr. Hawkins ran for a seat in the New Jersey Senate, which is another part of the state government that makes laws. He ran against the person who already held the seat, Frank J. Dodd. Even though he didn't win that election, he continued to be an important voice in New Jersey politics.

Important Legal Work

As a lawyer, Eldridge Hawkins worked on many cases that helped protect people's civil rights. These are the basic rights and freedoms that all people should have. He helped set important legal examples in cases like Hawkins v. Harris and Hellams v. Essex County Welfare Board. These cases helped make sure people were treated fairly under the law.

The Rubin Carter Case

In 1975, the Governor of New Jersey asked Mr. Hawkins to look into a famous case involving a boxer named Rubin Carter. Mr. Hawkins, with help from an investigator, reviewed the case. He concluded that the evidence suggested Mr. Carter and another person were not involved in the crime they were accused of. This investigation was an important part of the long legal process for Rubin Carter.

Community Leadership and Awards

Eldridge Hawkins helped start the Garden State Bar Association, which is a group for minority lawyers in New Jersey. He was also a member of the Essex County Ethics Committee for the Supreme Court, which helps make sure lawyers follow ethical rules. He has received many awards, including being the first person to receive Seton Hall Law School's Thurgood Marshall Award. This award honors people who have made great contributions to civil rights and justice.

Eldridge Hawkins' Family

Eldridge Hawkins is married to Linda Cofer Hawkins, who was a trailblazer for African American women in the Miss New Jersey and Miss America Pageants.

His son, Eldridge Hawkins, Jr., followed in his footsteps and became the mayor of Orange, New Jersey in 2008. His daughter, Hillary Hawkins, is an actress, producer, and writer.