Eldridge Hawkins Jr. facts for kids

Eldridge Hawkins, Jr. was born on July 25, 1979. He served as the Mayor of Orange, New Jersey, a city with about 33,000 people. During his time as mayor, he worked to improve the city. He was also a leader in making changes to state laws about how cities work with public employee groups.

After being mayor, Mr. Hawkins worked for the New Jersey Department of State. He helped with community outreach and policy. He also led the New Jersey United States Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees). Besides his political work, he is a law enforcement professional and a businessman. He is also a martial arts expert with over 30 years of experience. He is even a member of the USA Unified Martial Arts Hall of Fame. Shihan Eldridge Hawkins, Jr. holds a 5th Degree Black Belt in United States Ju-Jitsu and Fusion Kenpo. He also has a 7th Degree Black Belt in American Style Nunchaku. The United States Ju-Jitsu Federation recognizes him as a national leader in martial arts.

Growing Up and Education

Eldridge Hawkins, Jr. was born in 1979 in Livingston, New Jersey. His father, Eldridge Hawkins, was a Civil Rights lawyer and a former Assemblyman. His mother, Linda Cofer Hawkins, was a businesswoman and community leader. Eldridge grew up in West Orange, New Jersey. He went to Seton Hall Preparatory School.

After high school, he attended Rider University. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration in 2001. Later, he continued his education. He earned another degree in Criminal Justice from Thomas Edison State College. He also received a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Seton Hall University. In addition, he earned a law degree (Juris Doctor) from Mitchell Hamline School of Law.

Early Career Paths

After college, Eldridge Hawkins, Jr. worked in both business and law enforcement. He was the Director of Operations for the Carl Lewis Fund, Inc. He also worked as a licensed Realtor Associate. In 2002, he started his career with the West Orange Police Department. He received two awards for his police work. He later retired as a Police Officer due to an injury.

Becoming Mayor of Orange

Eldridge Hawkins, Jr. moved to Orange, New Jersey. He planned to run for the City Council in 2008. However, the mayor at the time, Mims Hackett, decided not to run again. This led Hawkins to change his plan and run for mayor instead.

He was a new candidate compared to others with more political experience. He promised to make Orange safer and to bring honesty to the government. He also wanted to help the city grow and develop. His background in law enforcement was a big help. Many important leaders supported his campaign. These included former Governor Richard Codey and Newark Mayor Cory Booker. On May 13, 2008, at 28 years old, he was elected Mayor.

Leading the City of Orange

Hawkins became mayor on July 1, 2008. This was when the U.S. economy was facing a big recession. One of his first actions was to improve the Orange Police Department. He appointed a new police director and started community policing programs. He also held gun buyback events and updated police technology. These efforts helped reduce crime in the city.

City Development and Growth

Mayor Hawkins also worked to improve the city's development. He upgraded the water supply to allow for more building projects. He oversaw the removal of the Walter G. Alexander Houses. This was an old housing project that was replaced with new low-rise homes. He also helped Orange become a "Transit village". This meant the city received state help for development near its train stations.

To make Orange a better place for shopping and fun, he secured money for the city's Valley Arts district. He also named the historic Italian neighborhood "Little Italy." He created a plan to improve the city's main business areas.

Connecting with Citizens

To help citizens get more involved, Mayor Hawkins started televising and streaming City Council meetings online. He also held regular public meetings. He launched a "Call to Service" program. This allowed everyday citizens to serve on city boards. He also updated the city's website. This made it easier for people to share their concerns and get quick responses.

Working with Partners

Mayor Hawkins had many plans for Orange. But the city's income was decreasing. So, he created partnerships with private groups. This helped the city do more with less money.

He worked with St. Barnabas Health Care System. They provided health services to older residents. He also partnered with the Heinz Foundations to offer low-cost prescription drugs. He created a partnership with the Profeta Urban Investment Foundation, Seton Hall University Business School, and the Intersect Fund. This provided help and loans to new businesses in Orange.

Handling Money Challenges

New Jersey reduced its financial help to Orange by $3 million. Mayor Hawkins worked to help cities cut costs. He suggested changes to pensions and health benefits for city workers. He also spoke out against cuts to the state's Urban Enterprise Zone program. He became the Chairman of the Management Reform Committee for the NJ League of Municipalities. He led other mayors in asking for changes to state laws. To avoid a large increase in property taxes, he had to lay off some city workers.

In March 2011, Orange received a federal grant. This helped Mayor Hawkins work out an agreement with the firefighters' union. The grant and other changes allowed the city to rehire its laid-off firefighters. They also hired more firefighters. This agreement was seen as a big step forward.

2012 Election and Beyond

In 2012, Eldridge Hawkins, Jr. ran for reelection as mayor. He faced several challengers. He was narrowly defeated by Dwayne Warren. After leaving office, Hawkins started Black Belt Security & Investigations, LLC. This is a private security company in East Orange, New Jersey.

In January 2013, he appeared on TV and radio shows. He discussed school safety and gun control. He suggested having armed guards in schools. He also supported a balanced approach to gun control.

Martial Arts Journey

Eldridge Hawkins, Jr. started training in Chinese Kenpo-Kung Fu when he was young. He earned his Black Belt in June 2001. He holds Black Belt ranks in Fusion Kenpo and Chinese Kenpo Kung Fu. His martial arts teachers connect him to famous Grand Masters.

Hawkins also has a recognized rank in Kenpo-Jujitsu and United States Ju-Jitsu. He is skilled with various martial arts weapons. He holds a 7th Degree Black Belt in American Style Nunchaku (ASN). He is a certified instructor for the "American Style Nunchaku Federation" (ASNF). He is also certified by the United States Martial Arts Federation (USMAF). Hawkins created the Ken-Fu Nunchaku Jutsu self-defense system. He teaches ASNF tournament forms online. In 2022, he was inducted into the USA Unified Martial Arts Hall of Fame.

Awards and Memberships

• United States Martial Arts Federation Hall of Fame Member - National Kobudo Sensei
• United States Ju Jitsu Federation Hall of Fame Member - National Ju Jitsu Sensei
• Senior Instructor - Baker's Red Iron Dragon Fusion Kenpo Academy
• Vice President - United States Martial Arts Federation
• Vice President (US Operations) - American Style Nunchaku Federation
• 1st Place Champion – Adult Division, Black Belt Weapons; Upland Martial Arts (Open Tournament).
• 2nd Place Winner – Free Fighting Division, Black Belt Men Over 200 Lbs.; Challenge of Champions XII (Open Tournament).
• Life Member – New Jersey Police Honor Legion
• President of the New Jersey Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees) and founder of the Orange-Essex Jaycees, the first chapter in a New Jersey urban community
• Member, 2012 Congressional Redistricting Commission (Hawkins was appointed but then removed before redistricting began).
• Selected by Ebony Magazine in 2009 as an “Outstanding Young American Leader.”
• Member, Phi Beta Sigma fraternity
• Chairman, Orange Democratic Committee.
• Member, Maplewood & Oranges Chapter, NAACP.
• Master Mason, Bethel Lodge No. 10, F & AM - PHA Orange, NJ
• Youth Role Model Award – National Association of Negro Business & Professional Women's Clubs, Inc.