Hilliard P. Jenkins facts for kids
Hilliard P. Jenkins (born February 29, 1922, died August 23, 1992) was an amazing American farmer. He was also a kind person who gave back to his community (a philanthropist). He was a leader in his town and state. His family farm in Loxley, Alabama was known as one of the best farms in the state. He was famous for his smart farming methods. Hilliard Jenkins also led many groups across Alabama.
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Growing Up on the Farm
Hilliard P. Jenkins was one of 10 children. He lived in Loxley his whole life. In 1926, his father, John Wesley Jenkins, bought a 40-acre farm. This farm produced turpentine, which is a liquid from pine trees.
When his father passed away in 1935, Hilliard's mother, Amelia Taylor Jenkins, took over the farm. His older brothers and sisters also helped. Over the next 25 years, Amelia helped the farm grow a lot. It became a huge 1,052-acre business!
A Smart Farmer
When Hilliard grew up, he became the main manager of the farm. He made the farm even more productive. He grew many different kinds of crops. This meant they could harvest crops all year long.
Even without special training, Hilliard was very good at farming. He taught himself the best scientific ways to farm. His knowledge helped the farm become very successful. This made the Jenkins family well-known among all farmers. In 1952, he even won the Negro Farm Family Merit Award. This award came from the Tuskegee Institute. The Jenkins family's success was even featured in Ebony magazine!
Helping His Community
Hilliard P. Jenkins lived in Alabama during the time of Jim Crow laws. These were unfair rules that treated African Americans differently. Hilliard's mother, Amelia, showed him how to use their farm's success to help their African-American neighbors.
Workers on the Jenkins farm had special freedom. They could join in community activities and politics. This included helping people register to vote. This was very different from other farms. White employers often stopped their workers from getting involved in politics.
A Leader for Change
For many years, Hilliard worked hard to help his community. He wanted more African Americans to vote. He was a long-time member of the Alabama Democratic Conference (ADC). This group works to help African Americans have a stronger voice in politics.
Hilliard was the chairman of the ADC in Baldwin County for over 20 years. He also held other important leadership roles. He worked with the Mobile-Baldwin Area Boy Scouts of America. He was also on the Baldwin County Mental Health Board. Hilliard served on the Alabama Selective Service Board too.
His Lasting Impact
Hilliard P. Jenkins' good work continues today. His four children, 12 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren carry on his legacy. Many people across Alabama and the South remember his contributions.
In 2009, a group called Frontline Solutions started a special program. It's called the Hilliard P. Jenkins Undergraduate Fellowship Program. This program honors Hilliard's work. It helps students who are good at social justice and business. The program teaches them how to help low-income communities. It follows Hilliard's way of helping people from the ground up.
