Monroe E. Hawkins facts for kids
Monroe E. Hawkins was an important politician in Arkansas during a time of big changes in American history. He worked as a state legislator, which means he helped make laws for the state. He was a member of the Republican Party and represented Lafayette County, Arkansas.
Who Was Monroe E. Hawkins?
Monroe E. Hawkins was born in North Carolina. From the moment he was born, he was enslaved. This means he was not free and was forced to work without pay. After the American Civil War, slavery ended, and many formerly enslaved people, like Hawkins, began to take part in government.
Starting in Politics
In 1868, Monroe E. Hawkins attended the Arkansas Constitutional Convention. A constitutional convention is a special meeting where people come together to write or change a state's constitution. A constitution is like a rulebook for the government. This convention was very important because it helped reshape Arkansas after the Civil War.
Serving in the House
After the convention, Monroe E. Hawkins was elected to the Arkansas House of Representatives. This is a part of the state's government where elected officials discuss and vote on new laws. He served two terms in the House:
- From 1868 to 1869
- From 1873 to 1874
As a state legislator, he helped make decisions that affected everyone in Arkansas. His work was part of a time called the Reconstruction era, when the country was rebuilding after the Civil War and working to give rights to formerly enslaved people.
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