Article February 2015
Dr. Reginald A. Hawkins

By Jay Whipple

Trend Magazine Online™

Civil Rights Hero!

Dr. Reginald A. "Hawk" Hawkins was a dentist, Presbyterian Minister, and Civil Rights leader who marched with Dr. King, organized voter registration drives, boycotts, and sit ins in the 1960 ′s during the Civil Rights era in Charlotte, NC. He was considered by mainstream Charlotte (White and Black) as a menace to society for his unyielding and unwavering quest for equality for himself and all Blacks during one of the most racially charged decades in American history.

When threats by locals did not impede his progress, other means were used to quiet the outspoken champion of justice. On a chilly morning on November 22, 1965, Dr. Reginald A. Hawkins and his family were awakened by a loud and thunderous boom from outside his home. After ensuring that he and his family were okay, he ventured outside to investigate the source of the disturbing noise. He heard tires screeching and caught a glimpse of a pick up truck that had apparently made a u turn after being halted by a train.