[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 175 (Monday, November 14, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1135-E1136]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING REV. CALVIN EARL HAWKINS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 14, 2022

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a 
man of many talents, Rev. Calvin Earl Hawkins. Rev. Hawkins is 
compassionate, and a dedicated public servant devoted to the betterment 
of the community and success of others.
  Rev. Hawkins was born on September 25, 1972, in Water Valley, 
Mississippi, to the parents of the late John and Earline Wright 
Hawkins. As the last child of nine children, Calvin graduated high 
school then continued his education at Northeast Mississippi Community 
College in Booneville, Mississippi, then on to Mississippi State 
University, in Starkville, Mississippi. While at Mississippi State 
University, Rev. Hawkins obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in 
Educational Psychology, Education, and with a focus in Individual and 
Family Studies.
  Over the years, Rev. Hawkins has been intricately involved within the 
community and has demonstrated immense dedication to the families and 
children throughout the state of Mississippi. Rev. Hawkins is a 
lifeline for many students in Mississippi and has started his 28th year 
as an educator. Rev. Hawkins is very supportive in the field of 
education. He is an educator at heart. His work experience includes but 
is not limited to an Educational/Disability Specialist, Center 
Administrator, and Regional Administrator for Mississippi Action for 
Progress, Inc.
  As a Regional Administrator for Head Start, Rev. Hawkins served the 
counties of Yalobusha, Chickasaw and Calhoun City. He was able to 
provide services for an infinite number of children who needed a head 
start in life. Rev. Hawkins currently serves as the Coordinator for 
Student Services for the Coffeeville School District. Within his work 
career, Rev. Hawkins has worked with students between the ages of 3 
years old to post-secondary status He has consistently been an advisor 
and vessel for students by teaching them problem-solving and coping 
skills while simultaneously verbalizing to them to never give up. It 
has always been common practice for Rev. Hawkins to rally and encourage 
students with a Pep talk letting them know, `What God has for you is 
for you'' and always providing individuals with the assurance of 
whatever comes their way, they can make it.
  In 2011, Rev. Hawkins accepted the calling into the ministry. He is a 
licensed and ordained pastor. Rev. Hawkins began pastoring his first 
church in 2006 as the Senior Pastor of United Missionary Baptist Church 
in Coffeeville, Mississippi.
  Rev. Hawkins serves his community in the following capacities: 
President of the Blackmur Library, member of the 100 Black Men of 
Grenada County, Mississippi, Congress President of the Mt. Moriah 
District Association, National Library Association, and a member of the 
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. Rev. Hawkins past membership includes 
the Rotary club and Water Valley Main Street Association. He is the 
Founder of the ``Increase Your Knowledge Group, LLC,'', a non-profit 
organization to increase the knowledge of potential information within 
the community. In 2005, Rev. Hawkins was appointed by the Yalobusha 
County Sheriff and Board of Supervisor as the Chaplain for the 
Yalobusha County Detention Center.
  Rev. Hawkins is now a published author of the book titled, Under the 
Dusty Sands. This book is an African American history book highlighting 
Yalobusha County, Mississippi from 1870 to 1970. Rev. Hawkins gathered 
history to recognize the African American citizing that paved the way 
in Yalobusha County. He is preparing to publish his second book, which 
will include the history of the oldest African American school in 
Yalobusha County entitled ``Dear Ole Davidson''. In 2022, Rev. Hawkins 
was recognized as an African American historian in Yalobusha County.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Rev. 
Calvin Earl Hawkins for his dedication and passion for his community 
and the State of Mississippi.

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