A Revolutionary Foundation
Little Rock Central High School has always been an important place in my family history. My mom graduated from Central, my grandparents started dating at Central, and my great-grandfather was the first black principal at Central. Edwin L. Hawkins Sr. was principal from 1971 to 1974.
He was always an educator, previously principal at Horace Mann and Dunbar. He believed in the real value of education, and where it could take people. I can’t imagine being the principal of a school as large as Central, and being black on top of that. I’m sure he faced challenges. I’m sure he had his doubts. I’m also sure that Central would not be the school it is today without him. For my great-grandfather to stand in the face of discrimination on top of administrative duties, I know he believed in Central. I know he believed in school, in education, in teachers and counselors and aides that mold students into scholars.
Stories I heard about him growing up include his favorite phrase to say to students, “I challenge you.” There is a scholarship available for seniors at Central called the I Challenge You Scholarship for this very reason. Although I never met my great-grandfather, and my mother was too young when he died to remember specifics, I believe his memory lives on. His memory lives on in my mother, who is a teacher and lover of all things education. His memory lives on in Central–in the school where he broke the glass ceiling and left his mark. And his memory lives on in students. Students who need a little push, a challenge, or an example of what can be done when you decide to fight against obstacles to get to where you were called to be. These are the students who carry his legacy, what he stood for.
As I look at Central now, I carry a different view. Yes, it is the place that holds a lot of my family’s history. It serves that purpose for a lot of families. Now though, I see a legacy. A legacy of greatness and a legacy that could use some changes. I thank Edwin Luther Hawkins for his revolutionary contribution. And I look forward to all the new revolutionaries that I know will come out of Little Rock Central High School.
Stacey McAdoo • Feb 24, 2021 at 8:03 am
Thank you, Emily, for penning (or I guess in this day and time — typing) this. I’m positive your great-grandfather would have been proud of the young lady you are. After all, how could he not be? EVERYONE who has ever met you beams with pride at the mere mention of your name. Continue to let your light shine and stay writeous.
Dr. Gloria Nelson Willingham-Toure ‘ • Feb 20, 2021 at 8:36 pm
Mr. And Mrs. Hawkins and my parents Ellis and Mary Nelson were great friends. I spent a lot of time at their home in Granite Mountain during my childhood.We all belonged to the same church (Miles Chapel C.M.E. Church). I remember your great grandfather as a quiet, but strong person. He truly believed that every child had the potential to learn. I graduated from Central High School in 1963 during the early years of desegregation. While it was not a pleasant experience for me, I was so proud to be graduating and on my way out of state to college. Your great-grandfather, Mr. Edwin Hawkins, attended my graduation in the middle of all the heckling. The notion of him, or any other Black person, one day being the Principal of Central was something I did not even imagine would ever occur. He told my parents that he wanted to be there to support me. I gave him one of the limited number of invitations I was allowed (3) and he was there to cheer me on. The following Sunday at Church he had me stand so the church could congratulate me while he shared his description of what it was like to be in the audience on that night. I never forgot that graduation and I have never forgotten his words of encouragement. He showed an equal amount of encouragement for so many young people. I was overjoyed years later when he became the first Black Principal at this iconic school. May his contributions as an indelible part of the history of LRCHS, the history of Little Rock, Arkansas; the history of Arkansas, and the history of this nation be passed forward through generations. . It is a blessing that you are now positioned to write about him and his legacy.. He would be very proud of you! May he Rest In Peace! May you continue to document his legacy. The Road was not always easy but his determination was steadfast.
Mike Meitzenheimer • Feb 19, 2021 at 7:23 pm
Thank you Emily for your excellent and informative article regarding your great grandfather. You should be very proud to walk the same halls that he did, knowing, and understand more now about the challenges that he may have faced being the first during those times.
I hope that you will reflect and be inspired by his legacy as you build your own. There will be times in your life when you may draw strength from him as you face your own life challenges..
Continue your search for education and understanding. Strive to do your best, and leave a positive image of yourself for others to remember.
Love you!
Lana Mitchell Meitzenheimer • Feb 19, 2021 at 3:21 pm
Emily, this brought me to tears. Who would have ever thought my granddaughter, his great granddaughter would be the person to recognize and give him the accolades he so deserves. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve been angered by the dismissive attitude people have had when it comes to his recognition when LRCH legacy is mentioned. Horace Mann is the only school that’s ever recognized him with the scholarship. I’m positive Papaw, Mimi, and Ed are so proud of you. Smiling down on your talent. I know I am. You are, and have always been the lighted guidance in our family. Thank you so much for being EMILY. Nana Loves you
Tanya Mitchell Barton • Feb 19, 2021 at 11:40 am
Great awareness of history Emily. Love ❤️ the article!
Great memories,
Tanya Mitchell Barton
Class of ‘77
Tanya Frey ‘98 • Feb 19, 2021 at 10:02 am
Great article! I wish I could have known more about Principal Hawkins as a student there, especially when we celebrated the 40th anniversary of integration of high schools. He is an important piece of our history. Is there movement to name a wing, floor, classroom after him? Surely he’s on display in our halls?
Naylan Holman • Feb 19, 2021 at 9:58 am
Awesome job Emily! He was an amazing man. So glad you are bringing awareness to one of his many accomplishments!