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Life is filled with ironies. Last week, I talked to legendary basketball star Cazzie Russell about a story I was doing on his alma mater, Carver High School, the subject of the Sun-Times' School of the Week series on Feb. 4. And I wrote a column on his former coach, Larry Hawkins, for the current issue of Scott Powers' Ill. Hoops newsletter.
Now Hawkins is gone. He died on Jan. 30. He was 77. I knew he was ill. He looked very frail when I last saw him in December at the Institute for Athletics and Education's annual awards banquet at the University of Chicago. But Larry always a very private person. He never talked about himself.
As basketball coach at Carver from 1959 to 1977, he produced one state runnerup (1962) and one state champion (1963) and developed many outstanding players such as Russell, Darius "Pete" Cunningham, Joe Allen, Gerry Jones and Ken Maxey.
As director of the University of Chicago's Office of Special Programs and founder of the IAE, he annually taught, tutored and counseled hundreds of African-American students from South Side schools and helped them to obtain college educations.
He was the first coach/educator I can recall who openly preached the importance of athletics in the educational process. When he began in the 1960s, most teachers and administrators ignored his philosophy. Now his sermon is almost universally accepted and advocated, especially in Chicago.
"If you counted up the number of people he impacted and directed to college, there would be more than anyone else in Chicago--and there were more non-athletes than athletes," said Maxey, who starred on the 1963 championship team, later played at Michigan and now is a career counselor at Crenshaw High School in Los Angeles.
"He was before his time in talking about athletics being an important part of education. He always emphasized academics. You had to go to class and do your homework or you couldn't play. He set kids to black colleges but he also sent them to such schools as Illinois, Michigan, Harvard, Yale and Cornell.
"He was a man's man. Most of his teaching wasn't about basketball, it was about teaching about life. He taught us a way to deal with the cruel world at a time when we were coming out of Altgeld Gardens. He taught us a sense of striving for excellence, to put your heart into whatever you did."
Anyone who met him was immediately struck by his warmth and charm, even though you got the feeling that nobody ever really got too close to him. He liked music, jazz, folk dancing, salsa, lemon drop soup and red wine. But mostly he was into helping poor kids get opportunities to succeed in life.
One of his crusades was trying to attract more young men and women into the coaching profession, then finding ways to properly train them to develop boys and girls. He insisted that many coaches were only trained to teach X's and O's, not such things as discipline, values, priorities and sportsmanship.
His philosophy was simple and to the point: "It is important for kids to have a chance in life. Generally, families do that. But sometimes they need help," he said.
"I like most of what I have done," he once told me. "I have been able to get done what I though I'd like to get done. I never thought we'd win the war but we have won some pretty good skirmishes. What I see that is gratifying is more people are talking about it in a lot of ways."
Cell Phone Alerts
MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY OF LARRY HAWKINS!
A GIANT OF A MAN, A MAN WHO SAID YES TO ACADEMICS AND
YES TO ATHLETICS AS WELL!
A WINNER, A MAN OF HONOR AND COURAGE, A HUMBLE MAN,
WHEN HE SPOKE YOU LISTENED, A COACH, AN ACADEMIC ADVISOR,
A POSITIVE ROLE-MODEL FOR ALL, HE ALWAYS HAD A KIND WORD
TO SAY, AND HE ALWAYS HAD A POSITIVE OUTLOOK ON LIFE!
LARRY HAWKINS LED BY EXAMPLE, HE WAS A TRUE EDUCATOR, HE
WILL GO DOWN IN HISTORY AS A PERSON WHO CARED FOR HIS
FELLOW MAN!
THANK YOU FATHER GOD FOR SENDING LARRY HAWKINS DOWN HERE
TO SPREAD THE GOSPEL OF EDUCATION, AND HOW TO SPORT A
WINNING ATTITUDE IN LIFE AND IN SPORTS, HE HELPED SO MANY
I AM GLAD I MET HIM, HE TRUELY ENHANCED THE CHICAGO
PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO, WHAT A
GREAT MAN!
THANK-YOU TO THE HAWKINS FAMILY FOR SHARING, MR. LARRY
HAWKINS WITH US, THANK-YOU VERY MUCH!
Sorry to hear about this, Taylor. I had just read your column about him in Ill.hoops. He was a good man.
I remember covering the state volleyball finals years ago when Hyde Park made it to the Elite Eight. (This was when the Public League champion received an automatic bid.) The Hyde Park coach was named Larry Hawkins, but I knew there was no way it could be THE Larry Hawkins. Well, the team took the court, and sure enough, it was him. Talk about showing your dedication to kids. I doubt very many people at Redbird Arena that day, including media, had any idea who he was. And I'm sure unless asked, he wouldn't tell them.
Thanks, Taylor, for helping to chronicle these historic figures in Illinois high school sports before it's too late for anybody else to do so.
RIP.
Larry Hawkins was "the role model" he not only taught young poor boys from singleparent homes to be respetful young men he taught me and others how to be great educators, teaching from the curririculum is not enough you must teach from the heart and soul and when your students feel the love they can then learn. From my Brother Dr. John Cain and myself we both know that without Larry Hawkins and the other dedicated teachers of The "Old school" Carver we would not be the respectful educators that we are today.
Larry Hawkins,Dr Hawkins will be missed by many but i will really miss him. He was my 2nd father. He taught me many things from academics to athletics. He made me the lady I am today but I am not done his legacy will live on through me and he will always be in my heart. I am really hurt but I will continue to complete his mission that he had for me. He touched many people. I just want him to know I miss him and that I love him and always will. I was his Kido. Love you Doc and I will see you lata love you and continue to guide me into the right direction.
Thanks so much Taylor for allowing us to share with each other about this great man. I met Dr. Hawkins much later than others. I met him while I was Director of the Elliott Donnelley Youth Center. Dr Hawkins took me under his wings and became a Life Coach for me. He wanted to make sure that I realized my dreams in life and always would touch in to encourage me to not drop the ball. We often discussed Religion which were really great conversations. He supported every program or activity that I or my organization held. I will miss my Life Coach. I look forward to his most powerful guidance from the Spirit World.
Chicago has lost an angel. Dr. Hawkins has contributed soo much to the students of Chicago. I personally thank him for his support to me as a creative educator determined to introduce high quality technology experiences to students of all socio-economic backgrounds. Thank you Dr. Hawkins for believing in me and the students I teach. Heaven rejoices at the entrance of this valuable soul.
I was definitely hoping someone would post something about such a great man. I searched all over google to see if there was something informing Chicago that a great man has passed on, but there wasn't and now we are here.
Dr.Hawkins was a person younger people had to get to know and understand. Coming from all the different backgrounds,and areas of Chicago where many students see a struggle or goes through a struggle of some sort and it has tormented their sight and caused dreams to go deferred it was hard to adapt to the fact that there was someone out there who cared about where we ended up. Dr.Hawkins knew how to be stern when he needed, and gave plenty of kindness to many and have set many students on the good path that they are on now. I am glad to have met and been changed by Dr.Hawkins. As we say our final goodbyes I hope in the end we walk away still remembering him 50yrs from now with a smile on our faces saying because of OSP I am standing here with much optimism.
I only wish I said this in actual words before leaving in 2006. But it said now. Thank you Dr.Hawkins and staff!
A love prayer...
How furrowed was his brow with the intensity of being
A loving, laughing human, made in the image of truth, man
Hear us Abba Father, grateful that you felt the need
To gift us with this one, an Adam, renewed with purpose
We have witnessed your goodness in the fruition
Of the dreams deferred that spread from this appointed place
To the far reaches of your world, carried in the hearts of black boys and girls
For You are our rock and we cherish Your unfailing love
Carry this Adam to your bosom, Lord, to take his rightful rest
And infuse in us strength to carry the torch forward
Liberate us to continue through this discontent of summer tears
Open our eyes to the plane of dignity, discipline and our soul force
Let us seek the satisfaction of accomplishment that rolls down easy
Like the waters of the mighty rivers poured on our heads
Anointing our lives to bloom where we are planted, growing upward
And increase the lives of all we touch as this man did.
His legacy need not cease with the decaying of the earthly shell
But spring forth and prosper as were taught at his hand.
gws/013009 (former kid of his in the 70's)
I was a student in the OSP Upward bound program everysince i was a freshman in highschool, i'm glad i knew Dr.Hawkins He never let me down!!
MY WORDS CAN NOT EXPLAIN THE MAN LARRY HAWKINS WAS TO ALL YOUTH. THE WAY HE EMPHASIZED EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN YOUNG ATHLETES WAS INSPIRATIONAL NOT ONLY IN MY LIFE BUT FOR OTHERS AS WELL. I WILL MISS YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU - LETTIE
I will never forget the first time I meet Dr. Hawkins. It was during a registration for students looking to join his program (OSP) in 1998. I was talking and acting out like most 16 year old kids do, I was not the only kid doing so- but Dr. Hawkins singled me out of the the group! for some reason I mean he truely laid into me good in front of what seemed like a million people. Needless to say I was embarrased, and I knew that I wouldn't like this guy at all. well, let me tell you it has been 11 years since I first meet Dr. Hawkins and these are the facts. I am a confident young man, I achieved my dream of playing college football, I recieved my BA in History, and I have a passion for working with kids to achieve their dreams, just like Dr. Hawkins. Never really thought about how much he really ment to me until this very moment, so If you can hear me Doc- I want to say thanks for taking the time to put me in my place, I love you man.
Dr. Hawkins had more faith in me than I did myself. I didnt know I was capable of doing and becoming so much before I met him. He pushed me to become a better person, student and woman. He has had a bigger influence in my life more than any other man I know. I was so blessed to get to know him because he was truly an angel that GOD has blessed us all with.
Dr. Hawkins. . .Chicago lost another Giant of an Angel!! I remember my first interview / meeting with Doc. He had me mesmerized by his charming spirit! OSP set the bar of excellence for all College Prep and Athletic Programs. When I moved to New York, I used U of C’s OSP’s model to inspire and prove that the bar of excellence has to be set and expected for all youth regardless of their socio-economic backgrounds. I cited the attendance numbers of dedicated youth who actively participated in both the academic and athletic programs at OSP. There was no either / or with Doc! As a biology, chemistry, math and track / field coach for OSP, I saw the vision of Doc’s programming in action! The students always came first and the OSP staff knew this! Thank you, Dr. Hawkins for your spirit of love, dedication, excellence, stability, strength and readiness! Thank you for loving our youth and community with the love of Christ. Thank you for always putting the needs of our community first and motivating the OSP staff and parents to do the same. Thank you for the summer enrichment programs which readied our youth to excel academically. Thank you for pushing the vision of college prep for all students by having 6th graders to high school students preparing for the PSAT! Thank you for challenging a system which academically disenfranchises our children by working with the neighborhood schools! Thank you for mentoring me and challenging me to coach, teach, mentor and love our youth! Lord Jesus, thank You for your humble and loving servant, Dr. Larry Hawkins! I know that the gates of heaven welcomed you home, Doc. Go in peace, Doc. Rest and be well. Know that love never dies. We love you, Doc! Nicole Wharff
Additional to being a close friend of the family I participated in The Upward Bound program. I'm glad to see Doc was able to live seventy-eight years of pure blessings. I'm sad to see he's gone, but am confident that all his teachings will live throughout each and every person he came in contact with. I am so blessed to have known someone as magnificent as him. with that being said R.I.P Dr.Larry Hawkins!!
Love Always
-Ashley
Larry Hawkins has been a major player in my educational and professional life. He had known me from birth as he coached my brother Donald (Dexter) Ford and taught my siblings. I became a part of the Office of Special Programs my freshman year in high school. I was a cheerleader and my high school was a part of the Henry Hall Tournament during the early 70's. This was big fun!!! His influence and support has fostered the direction my life has taken. I recieved my engineering degree from the University of Iowa, my MBA from the University of Texas. He supported my entrepreneurial dreams and initiatives. I am an inventor and the owner of a US Patent. Larry believed in my product and assisted me w/protopying it for marketability. When I returned to Chicago 2 1/2 years ago he was extremely supportive and applauded me for starting up the first minority owned pharmaceutical packaging company in the state of Illinois. His words of encouragement to keep pushing forward are etched in my memory bank. When I think of Larry, Galatians 5:22-23 comes to mind: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,(23)Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. It emboddied the man. With that I say......sleep on Dr. Hawkins, sleep on. Your song has ended but the melody lingers in all those lives you have impacted.
I'm sad to hear of Mr. Hawkin's passing. I'm glad to hear that he continued to train, educate and inspire young people for as long as he could. I am one of those people. Mr. Hawkins took me, an inner-city kid, told me that I could be ANYTHING I wanted to be, took me to 6 European countries at age 17, encouraged my love for math and for the theater, inspired me to attend Harvard University, developed and sharpened my leadership skills, and influenced me to become a math teacher for other inner-city youths. I will always love him for that. I will pray for his family and speak fondly of him and all that he has meant to me. Rest in peace, Mr. Hawkins. Love, Stephanie
As a parent of two children we will miss Dr. Larry Hawkins. I had the change to participate in the Upward Bound program, where Larry Hawkins stressed how important parent’s involvement and volunteering in your child’s education was. We will miss Larry Hawkins Folk dancing and hearing him say if you don’t read and listen you would miss the most important thing in life - ‘education’.
Larry Hawkins I am proud my children had the chance to be in your program and learn about having pride and striving to do their best in education. Dear Lord, thank you for sending an honorable man and an angel, Dr. Larry Hawkins. To the family we send our love, blessings, and condolences from the Perteet and Pettus Family
Well, it feels like someone stabbed me in my arm. I am in shock and don't realize that I have been stabbed. I have lost a father figure in Dr.Larry Hawkins. He exposed me to infinite possibilities, and gave me the needed inspiration to succeed. I can remember the first time that I met Dr.Hawkins, I was wearing my African hat, and he took it off my head. I thought was nerve? I didn't realize at the time that his nerve was my chance to see things in a new light.
I was an Upward Bound:Math/Science Student and a member of the Leadership Group at OSP. He exposed me to astronomy, starlab, tutorials, test prep, cultural events, and straight forward professioanlism, college tours, and the power of astronomy, athletics, and math as a means to access higher education and life. He is my role model for being a college professor, and a Language Arts Instructor for the Trio Upward Bound Program at Moraine Valley Community College. He lives on in my spirit and educational philosophy.
I will always love and miss a great man who shaped my soul. Rest in Peace, Dr. Hawkins!
I am sad at this writing because a great man and friend has left so many people who he inspired. I am one of those people. I am the track coach for the OSP summer sports program. I meet the staff and Dr. Hawkins 5 years ago. Dr. Hawkins always greeted me as Coach and I would greet him back as Doc. I enjoyed being around the OSP staff and students when ever I could. The OSP feels like family and we have just lost an important member of the family. Students, remember to make Doctor Hawkins proud of you. He always taught students to be polite and obedient to self and others. To the OSP staff, I am just a phone away (773 535-6650). To the University of Chicago, please keep Dr. Hawkins dream alive. To the Hawkins family, I would personally like to "Thank you" for sharing your treasure to so many people whos lives Dr. Larry Hawkins filled and encouraged. Please accept my deepest condolences.
The world will never know what this man has meant to me and thousands of kids from Chicago. I have loving parents, but I credit Larry Hawkins for creating the foundation of my personality and character. History will show the hard fact that he helped countless youths excel and become successful students and athletes. But I simply can't quantify how much he influenced and molded my personality and character. Honesty, courtesy, confidence, humility, and respect are qualities that he instilled in me, or drilled into me (LOL).
2009 is a year of triumph and tragedy. This is certainly a loss for his familiy and all touched by him. But it is indeed a loss for all humanity.
RIP Coach.
It's amazing how life can be so bitter sweet. I am so grateful to the Universe for a man who lived his life to the fullest and wanted to give others that same opportunity. There are so many great memories of Dr. Larry Hawkins that will live on forever. He truly fought a great fight...he gave me a chance at life and now more than ever I see the impact. I was a part of the OSP since the 5th grade, living in the housing projects, I now realize thru that program I was exposed to more than some of my collegiate counterparts here at Spelman. I still can't believe Dr. Hawkins is really gone...Lord knows Im going to miss him!
I was a student of OSP Upward Bound in the early 80s. Lil Larry, as the Hyde Park mini magnet students called him, was a great volleyball coach & a great man. He pushed us hard, was proud of our accomplishments & chastised us when we were doing wrong.
Dr. Hawkins was a great inspiration to me & I was very saddened to hear of his passing (just found out today). I thank God for placing him in my life & the lives of many other. He will truly be missed.
I played volleyball for Hyde Park and became interested in a sport I knew nothing about! Dr. Hawkins introduced volleyball to me and it became my sport of choice for years. His teachings inspired me to want to teach volleyball to girls who wanted to learn how to play. His ability to break sports down into a science amazed me. He knew the logistics of basketball and volleyball so well and could teach you to become a city champion! Dr. Hawkins was also a great disciplinarian. He would set you straight just by giving you a look! The most important thing I learned from Dr. Hawkins, was to work hard for what I want out of life. There were programs for every day of the week to keep you on your studies. There were classes to enhance your test skills. If I were smarter then, I would've paid more attention to what he was trying to teach me. I just thought he was being mean. Now that I'm an adult, things are alot clearer. Dr. Hawkins has taught me so much that I pray to god that my children will grow up and become students at The Office of Special Programs Upward Bound or PREP programs, and do more with it then I did! Dr. Hawkins believed in all of the kids who attended these programs. He will truly be missed, by me and my family! Although I'm upset about not saying a proper good bye to him, I'm sure God will tell him that one of his angels will truly miss him.
Love Always,
Constance J. Boykin
Dr. Hawkins is still a giant amongst men. He will never be forgotten. Not only did I graduate from the program in 85', both of my daughter attended. Dr. Hawkins was a father to the fatherless and a hero to others. I will miss him and his spirit greatly.
May your Spirit finally soar to heights that have not limits.
RIP - Dr. Hawkins
Dawn
What an amazing man of God! Dr. Hawkins invested a lot of time in me becoming an articulate and well-rounded individual. I had a great amount of respect for him as a human, educator and coach. He told me no matter what I did with my life to do it to the best of my ability. I'm deeply sorry that I did not have a chance to share what it meant to me to be a member of the Office of Special Programs.
I will always remember the times in the office, Lake Geneva, summer school and playing sports. I won't forget the positive energy that he exuded at all times. He wanted people to know that all things were possible.
The biggest thing that I can do right now is to keep the ripple going and inspire others. Because of the life lessons I was able to put myself in a position to inspire others by becoming a Director of a 700 student body elementary school in Phoenix Arizona. Thank you Dr. Hawkins for your push in the right direction
Next to God and my parents, Larry Hawkins had the single most powerful and inspiring impact on my life. I have been able to soar far beyond the courtyards of Altgeld Gardens,travel and work around world and hold my own in many professional capacities. I owe a great deal of those achievements to Larry Hawkins. He opened my eyes, my taste buds and my world! What a class act!
RIP
Veronica