John Clifford Hawkins


John Clifford Hawkins was a prominent African American politician in New York City during the early 20th century.

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.

Career

He was a member of the New York State Assembly in 1919, 1920 and 1921. He was the second African-American New York assemblyman, after Edward A. Johnson in 1918.
In 1927, he was elected an Alderman of the City of New York, representing the 21st District.