[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 74 (Tuesday, May 8, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E605]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING JOE EDDIE HAWKINS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 8, 2018

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an 
extraordinary community pioneer, Mr. Joe Eddie Hawkins.
  Joe Eddie Hawkins was born on September 21, 1953 and is still as 
strong in his beliefs and empathetic of the many insurmountable 
problems and issues that have troubled his heart for many years 
regarding his community and Tunica County. Yet, some are better and 
some are still much alive, but he continues to ``PUSH'' forward. Joe 
once asked the questions ``Are ``leaders'' made or born?'' He said that 
``Leaders are born.'' Joe has been one of the most visible leaders and 
spokespersons to fight against injustice and inequality for a long saga 
for: better and affordable housing; better health care and of course, a 
better education for all; so children can read and write to help 
empower themselves to succeed in the world of work.
  Joe was a 1971 graduate of Rosa Fort High School, located in Tunica 
Mississippi. Here he met Rose Mary Huddleston, then he enlisted in the 
United States Marine Corps to continue to serve others and his country, 
but he was injured and received an Honorable Discharge.
  Joe later married Rose in 1974, a woman of intellectual strength, God 
fearing and of radical faith. Four daughters were born: Ayanna, 
Rasheda, Jo Yarketta and Henrietta. Being a leader and even with his 
disabilities; he continued to persevere and received an Associate 
Degree in Drafting and Designing from Northwest Mississippi Junior 
College (NWMJC).
  Joe has been a community philanthropist and on a mission for over 
thirty years with also great concerns about the needs and poverty of 
other countries and other parts of the world.
  After graduating from NWMJC; Joe took on the challenge and decided to 
work in Tunica for the Department of Human Services (DHS) as an 
Eligibility Worker. Joe made home visits throughout the county and he 
became more aware of the great needs for housing and how many poor and 
underprivileged families were seen . He was very disheartened and 
disturbed by his observations. Joe began his work as a leader and met 
with other concerned citizens of this county to help solve the problems 
of poor housing and gruesome unsanitary conditions.
  In the year of 1986, Joe was one of the pioneers of the Sugar Ditch 
Saga that helped the families with their transition and orchestration 
to 17 Trailer Houses in the Sear's Subdivision that were generated by 
Federal Funds. He has also written grants to build low income families 
better homes and aided with self-build homes for this community. A 
charter grant was received from USA of Africa. With the funds, Joe was 
instrumental in building a community store located in White Oak 
Subdivision by Tunica County residents of skilled builders. Jobs and 
skills were provided to the community and also the store is still being 
a benefit to the community.
  In 1986, Joe was the founder of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s 
Commemorative Services. The dream is ongoing with its success. This 
year the 32nd Commemorative Program was celebrated.
  Joe has received many awards of his outstanding recognition for his 
service to this community. He continues to serve his county, but during 
a different mission: Lifetime Award: Lifetime Achievement Award from 
Concerned Citizens for a Better Tunica Co., Inc. / Tunica Teens In 
Action; Dedication and Hard Work: Many contributions for the community 
and of Tunica County. Serving: In the Name of Allah: the Beneficent, 
The Merciful Minister James Muhammad and The Nation of Islam; The 
County of Tunica; The State of Mississippi; The USA and The Nation of 
Islam. FREEDOM: (Black History and Spirit Award); Recognition of 
Dedication: Contribution as a Pioneer for Justice and Equality for a 
Better Community of Tunica County.
  On January 3, 2012, Mr. Joe Hawkins was appointed to serve as Tunica 
County Road Manager by the Tunica County Board of Supervisors. He also 
serves as the Secretary and Treasurer for the Mississippi Association 
of County Road Managers, where he is a very active member. During his 
time as Tunica County Road Manager, Mr. Hawkins has done several things 
to continue to help make his community a better place:
  1. He started a Second Change Program which allow for individuals who 
have been felons to be given an opportunity to work as he mentors them 
on the job.
  2. He convinced the Board of Supervisor that all of his men deserve 
to get paid a living wage so they can adequately take care of their 
families.
  3. Mr. Hawkins made sure all of his workers receive their proper 
retirement benefits for those who worked for the county over 20 years.
  He has also received many calls, correspondences and verbal 
encounters for the services that he and his staff rendered; especially 
executing the safety of the roads, due to his caring heart.
  Joe states, ``In order to be a strong black man, unwavering in his 
faith and vision as a leader; to fulfill his calling; hear the ``cry of 
the poor''; he must be non-fearing to man, but God fearing; then I can 
lead my people.'' Psalm 41: 1 states: ``Blessed is he that considereth 
the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.'' Regardless of 
Joe's physical disabilities, his dedication and true commitment to God; 
God has sustained him to continue the fight with momentum. The battle 
is not over yet for Joe; he is now fighting with other county residents 
for a new high school.
  Tunica will seem to have many undefeatable problems, but together 
they are pushing forward to beat the enemy down. Philippians 3:13 
states: (b): ``But this one thing I do, forgetting those things which 
are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before.''
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Joe Eddie 
Hawkins as an amazing trailblazer who is goal oriented and making a 
difference in his community.

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