"It is with deep sadness that I mourn the passing of a true political trailblazer -- the Honorable Augustus “Gus” Hawkins.  Congressman Hawkins’ outstanding public-policy accomplishments and his commitment to mentoring minority politicians were unparalleled.  Congressman Hawkins was the author of significant legislation in both the House of Representatives (1963-1991) and the California Assembly (1935-1963) -- particularly in the areas of civil rights, education and labor.  Congressman Hawkins left an indelible print on American society and had a series of “firsts.”  He was the first African-American elected to the United States House of Representatives west of the Mississippi River; he was a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus; and was chair of both the House Education and Labor Committee and the House Administration Committee.  His years of selfless service to his constituents in the greater Los Angeles area is truly a testament to his firm commitment to making sure that all persons in society were heard when it came to government.  He cared deeply about poor and working people and was unwavering in his belief that government played a role in assisting those less fortunate in achieving a decent quality of life.  Congressman Hawkins was a true American hero that shall be greatly missed.”