John Clifford Hawkins facts for kids
John Clifford Hawkins was an important lawyer and politician in New York City. He lived in the early 1900s. He helped make laws in the New York State Assembly and represented the Harlem area as an alderman.
Early Life and Education
John Clifford Hawkins was born on March 29, 1879. His hometown was Middleburg, North Carolina. His parents were John and Sara Hawkins. In 1903, he finished his studies at Lincoln University. Later, he studied law at New York University School of Law. This prepared him to become a lawyer.
His Work in Politics
John Clifford Hawkins became a member of the New York State Assembly. He served for New York County's 21st District. He was an assemblyman in 1919, 1920, and 1921. He made history as the second African-American assemblyman in New York. The first was Edward A. Johnson in 1918.
In 1927, he was chosen to be an Alderman for New York City. He represented the 21st District. Aldermen are like city council members. They help make decisions for the city. In 1929, he was one of only two African Americans serving as aldermen. He was even offered a big leadership role but chose not to take it.
See also
- List of African-American officeholders (1900-1959)
- Warren B. Douglass
