[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 17 (Wednesday, February 16, 2005)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E254] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] BLACK HISTORY TRIBUTE TO ANDREW AND MARY LOU HAWKINS ______ HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON of mississippi in the house of representatives Wednesday, February 16, 2005 Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, throughout the month of February, I would like to recognize outstanding African Americans of the 2nd Congressional District of Mississippi, and their contribution to Black History. The 23 counties of the 2nd District are well represented from both a local and national perspective. Americans have recognized black history annually since 1926, first as ``Negro History Week'' and later as ``Black History Month.'' In fact, black history had barely begun to be studied--or even documented--when the tradition originated. Although blacks have been in America as far back as colonial times, it was not until the 20th century that they gained a presence in our history books. Though scarcely documented in history books, if at all, the crucial role African Americans have played in the development of our nation must not be overlooked. I would like to recognize Andrew Hawkins, Sr. (1918-2000) and Mary Lou Hawkins (1907 -1972) of Shaw, MS which is located in Bolivar County. Andrew and Mary Lou ``Mae Lou'' were married in 1937 until her murder in 1972. Being children of slaves and having grown up in the Mississippi Delta during the Jim Crowe era and when the Mississippi Sovereignty Commission was active, they set out on an expedition against segregation and discrimination to improve life for black folks. Their stubborn will would not allow them to accept the unfair treatment imposed by white folks. In fact their willingness to lead and step out front brought death; alienation, planned house fires, and increased harassment upon the family but that did not stop the Hawkins. In 1969 Andrew along with Mae Lou and twenty other African American plaintiffs sued the Town of Shaw for violating their rights as spelled out in the 14th Amendment. They had lawyers representing them from the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. These were their rights to parallel living conditions in black neighborhoods as experienced by whites in their neighborhoods. Photographed and statistical evidence of both black and white neighborhoods pointed to the disparities between the two of inadequate water supply, unsanitary sewage exposure and disposal, water line pipes, rock roads, natural gas supply, street lights, and more. Hawkins first loss came when he appeared in District Court before Judge Keady. Then on January 23, 1971, the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals overturned Judge Keady's decision making the case a precursor for lawsuits against the inequalities of services provided by municipalities. Careful examination of the evidence presented by the NAACP Legal Defense Fund Lawyers overrode all evidence presented by the Town of Shaw helping to establish a prima facie case of racial discrimination. The court prohibited the Town of Shaw from further spending of monies to improve conditions in white neighborhoods until they improve conditions in the black neighborhoods thus creating a better living environment for the entire Town. The Hawkins v. Town of Shaw case is often equated with such paramount cases as Brown v. Board of Education for being one of the great pillars in African American History. In May 1972 two months after the 5th Circuit en banc affirmed the decision of Hawkins v. Town of Shaw, Mary Lou Hawkins was shot and killed by a black ``white controlled'' police officer for the Town of Shaw. In the first fire set to their home, no one was injured but in the second fire, their son Andrew, Jr. and two granddaughters were killed. Mr. Andrew Hawkins and his family has certainly been in a storm and faced tragedies as a consequence. I take great pride in recognizing and paying tribute to these outstanding African Americans of the 2nd Congressional District of Mississippi who deserve mention, not only in the month of February but year round. ____________________