Biographical Overview
Augustus Freeman Hawkins was born on August 31, 1907, in Shreveport, Louisiana, and died on November 10, 2007, in Washington, D.C. He was a pioneering African American politician who dedicated his life to civil rights and social justice through legislative service spanning nearly six decades.
Hawkins moved to California with his family during childhood, settling in Los Angeles where he would build his political career. He graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 1931 with a degree in economics. Before entering federal politics, Hawkins served in the California State Assembly from 1935 to 1962, making him one of the first African Americans elected to the California legislature in the 20th century.
During his state legislative career, Hawkins established himself as a champion of fair employment practices and civil rights. He authored California's Fair Employment Practice Act in 1959, which prohibited workplace discrimination based on race, religion, color, national origin, or ancestry—groundbreaking legislation that served as a model for other states.
Congressional Service and Legislative Achievements
Committee Assignments and Leadership
Upon entering the U.S. House of Representatives in 1963, Hawkins was assigned to several influential committees throughout his 28-year tenure:
- House Committee on Education and Labor (later Education and the Workforce)
- House Committee on Administration
- Joint Economic Committee
Hawkins eventually became chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee, a position he used to advance progressive legislation on employment, education, and worker rights.
Notable Legislation
Hawkins' most significant legislative achievement was co-sponsoring the Humphrey-Hawkins Full Employment Act of 1978 with Senator Hubert Humphrey. This landmark legislation established full employment as a national economic goal and required the federal government to pursue policies aimed at reducing unemployment to four percent or lower.
Other important legislative contributions included:
- Co-authoring the Job Training Partnership Act
- Supporting the establishment of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- Advocating for increased federal funding for education and job training programs
- Championing legislation to expand access to higher education for minorities and low-income students
Historical Significance and Legacy
Augustus Hawkins holds the distinction of being the first African American from west of the Mississippi River to serve in Congress. His election in 1962 broke significant racial barriers and paved the way for future minority representation in federal government.
Throughout his career, Hawkins maintained a consistent focus on economic justice and equal opportunity. He believed that full employment was essential to achieving racial equality and social progress. His legislative work helped establish the federal government's role in addressing unemployment and promoting economic opportunity for all Americans.
Lesser-Known Contributions and Interesting Facts
Beyond his major legislative achievements, Hawkins made several notable contributions that are often overlooked. He was instrumental in establishing the Congressional Black Caucus in 1971 and served as one of its founding members. The caucus became a powerful voice for African American interests in Congress.
Hawkins also played a crucial role in the creation of the Martin Luther King Jr. federal holiday, working behind the scenes to build congressional support for the legislation. His long tenure and institutional knowledge made him an effective advocate for causes that might otherwise have struggled to gain traction.
After retiring from Congress in 1991, Hawkins continued his advocacy work and remained active in Democratic politics until his death at age 100, making him one of the longest-lived former members of Congress.