|
The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) this week is honoring the legacy of former Rep. Augustus “Gus” Hawkins (D-Calif.), who died Saturday. Hawkins is one of the founding members of the CBC and was his state’s first black representative. Current CBC Chairwoman Rep. Carolyn Kilpatrick (D-Mich.) said Hawkins “left his fingerprints” on many pieces of historical legislation, including the landmark 1964 Civil Rights Act. The lawmaker, who served in Congress from 1963 to 1991, was a “champion of civil rights, servant of the people and guardian of the American dream,” Kilpatrick said. During his tenure, Hawkins chaired the Committee on Education and Labor for four terms and the House Administration Committee for two terms. Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.), who won the seat after Hawkins retired, said he was a friend and mentor to her. “He cared about poor and working people and truly believed that government had a responsible role to play in assisting families in the goal of achieving decent quality of life,” Waters stated. |
