California's first black congressman, Augustus Hawkins, died at the age of 100 on Saturday. To be honest, I've pulled up many pictures of him and I still don't believe that first sentence I wrote. (the black part, not the congressman or 100 year old part). Hawkins sponsored the equal employment section of the landmark 1964 Civil Rights Act that created the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. He helped create the Congressional Black Caucus in 1971. Black politicians called Hawkins an inspiration and mentor.
"It was Gus Hawkins who gave us the credibility," said Rep. Diane Watson, D-Los Angeles. "It was Gus Hawkins who gave us the ideas. He has left a sterling legacy."I guess Michael Jackson is also leaving a sterling legacy.
[AP]
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