John Clifford Hawkins
Encyclopedia
John Clifford Hawkins was a prominent African American politician in New York City during the early 20th century.
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
.
and served for three terms. He was only the second African American to hold a seat on the Assembly.
In 1927, he was elected Alderman in the City of New York, representing the 21st District.
Background
Hawkins was born in Middleburg, North CarolinaMiddleburg, North Carolina
Middleburg is a town in Vance County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 162 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Middleburg is located at ....
on March 29, 1879, the son of John and Sara Hawkins. In 1903, he graduated from Lincoln University
Lincoln University
Lincoln University or University of Lincoln or variations may refer to:in England*University of Lincolnin New Zealand*Lincoln University, New Zealandin the United States*Lincoln University...
. He studied law at New York University School of Law
New York University School of Law
The New York University School of Law is the law school of New York University. Established in 1835, the school offers the J.D., LL.M., and J.S.D. degrees in law, and is located in Greenwich Village, in the New York City borough of Manhattan....
.
Career
In 1918, he was nominated to the New York State LegislatureNew York State Assembly
The New York State Assembly is the lower house of the New York State Legislature. The Assembly is composed of 150 members representing an equal number of districts, with each district having an average population of 128,652...
and served for three terms. He was only the second African American to hold a seat on the Assembly.
In 1927, he was elected Alderman in the City of New York, representing the 21st District.