John Clifford Hawkins
John Clifford Hawkins was a lawyer and politician in New York City during the early 20th century.[1] He served in the New York Assembly and represented Harlem as a New York City alderman.
Background
Hawkins was born in Middleburg, North Carolina, on March 29, 1879, the son of John and Sara Hawkins. In 1903, he graduated from Lincoln University. He studied law at New York University School of Law.[1]
Career
He was a member of the New York State Assembly (New York Co., 21st D.) in 1919, 1920 and 1921. He was the second African-American New York assemblyman after Edward A. Johnson in 1918.[1] During his tenure, he worked alongside alderman Charles H. Roberts to secure an armory for the Harlem Hellfighters.[2]
In 1927, he was elected an Alderman of the City of New York, representing the 21st District.[1] He was one of two African Americans serving as aldermen in 1929 and was reportedly offered the minority leadership post but turned it down.[3]
See also
References
- 1 2 3 4 Yenser, Thomas, ed. (1933). Who's Who in Colored America: A Biographical Dictionary of Notable Living Persons of African Descent in America 1930-1931-1932 (Third ed.). Brooklyn, New York: Who's Who in Colored America. p. 198.
- ↑ "Roberts and Hawkins Urge Legislation For 15th Reg't. $150,000 Building For North Carolina Insurance Co". The New York Age. New York. February 21, 1920. Retrieved June 12, 2026.
- ↑ "JC Hawkins declines to serve as minority leader of the Aldermanic council". The New York Age. December 21, 1929. p. 1.
- 1879 births
- African-American state legislators in New York (state)
- New York University School of Law alumni
- People from Vance County, North Carolina
- Politicians from New York City
- New York (state) lawyers
- 20th-century American lawyers
- 20th-century African-American politicians
- 20th-century African-American lawyers
- 20th-century members of the New York State Legislature
- Lincoln University (Pennsylvania) alumni
- Member of the New York State Assembly stubs