November 12, 2007
“As a lawmaker, as a Civil Rights leader and as an advocate for children and underserved communities, Congressman Augustus Hawkins was a leader who has left behind a lasting legacy, both in terms of his legislative accomplishments and in the memories of those who follow in his footsteps and take up his work.
“I first met Congressman Hawkins in the early 1970’s, when I was working for then-Congressman Ron Dellums. He was totally committed to young people, and as the chair of the House Education and Labor Committee, he was a tireless advocate. He had a certain quiet strength that conveyed his determination to get the job done.
“I ran into Congressman Hawkins in the halls of the Rayburn House office building a couple of years ago, and despite his advanced years he was still at it, lobbying for education and pushing us as lawmakers to do a better job for young people.
“His passing is a loss for our nation. He will be missed, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
Barbara Lee’s Statement on the Passing of Augustus Hawkins
(Washington, DC) - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following statement on the passing of Augustus Freeman “Gus” Hawkins, the first African American elected to Congress from California and a co-founder of the Congressional Black Caucus:“As a lawmaker, as a Civil Rights leader and as an advocate for children and underserved communities, Congressman Augustus Hawkins was a leader who has left behind a lasting legacy, both in terms of his legislative accomplishments and in the memories of those who follow in his footsteps and take up his work.
“I first met Congressman Hawkins in the early 1970’s, when I was working for then-Congressman Ron Dellums. He was totally committed to young people, and as the chair of the House Education and Labor Committee, he was a tireless advocate. He had a certain quiet strength that conveyed his determination to get the job done.
“I ran into Congressman Hawkins in the halls of the Rayburn House office building a couple of years ago, and despite his advanced years he was still at it, lobbying for education and pushing us as lawmakers to do a better job for young people.
“His passing is a loss for our nation. He will be missed, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
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