Honorable Augustus F. "Gus" Hawkins
Member of Congress, 1963-1991 Democrat from California
Create and expand opportunities for advancing educational excellence through academic programs and workforce training that stimulate job creation and business development in diverse markets that positively enhance community growth and economic competitiveness.
Augustus F. Hawkins' political career spanned 56 years of public service in the California assembly and the U.S. House of Representatives. As the first black politician west of the Mississippi River elected to the House, Hawkins guided countless pieces of legislation aimed at improving the lives of minorities and the urban poor.
More reserved than many other African-American Representatives of the period, Hawkins worked behind the scenes to accomplish his legislative goals. Known by his colleagues on the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) as the “Silent Warrior,” the longtime Congressman and committee chairman earned the respect of African American leaders because of his determination to tackle social issues like unemployment and his commitment to securing equal educational opportunities for impoverished Americans.
Training and retooling America's workforce are key factors to ensuring global competitiveness in a 21st century economy. The Foundation understands that while attention is usually directed toward training the 'next generation' of workers, there are millions of talented and experienced American workers willing and eager to be 'retrained' in new and evolving industries that support our nation's new economy.
More reserved than many other African-American Representatives of the period, Hawkins worked behind the scenes to accomplish his legislative goals. Known by his colleagues on the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) as the “Silent Warrior,” the longtime Congressman and committee chairman earned the respect of African American leaders because of his determination to tackle social issues like unemployment and his commitment to securing equal educational opportunities for impoverished Americans.
Training and retooling America's workforce are key factors to ensuring global competitiveness in a 21st century economy. The Foundation understands that while attention is usually directed toward training the 'next generation' of workers, there are millions of talented and experienced American workers willing and eager to be 'retrained' in new and evolving industries that support our nation's new economy.