Steven W. Hawkins
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Steven W. Hawkins (born July 10, 1962) is an American social justice leader and litigator who currently serves as president and CEO of the
Early life and education
Hawkins was born in
Hawkins graduated from
Career
As an attorney with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, Hawkins represented African American men facing the death penalty throughout the Deep South. He continued his work in social justice focused on abolishing the death penalty. He led a partnership of organizations as executive director of the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty in Washington, D.C. that successfully campaigned to abolish the death penalty for juvenile crimes.
Following his tenure at the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty, Hawkins moved into philanthropy to advocate for human rights and social justice causes at the JEHT Foundation and later at Atlantic Philanthropies.
After returning to the NAACP as Executive Vice President and Chief Program Officer,[6] Hawkins often worked in coalition with Amnesty International USA on abolishing the death penalty and national security issues.
Career at NAACP
During his six years at the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, represented African American men facing the death penalty throughout the Deep South. He investigated and brought litigation that saved the lives and led to the release of three black teens on death row wrongfully convicted in Tennessee.[7]
Career at Amnesty International USA
In September 2013, he executive director of Amnesty International USA. Hawkins’ vision for AIUSA - to “Bring Human Rights Home” [8] - relies heavily on the use of innovative digital platforms to connect human rights activists across the globe.
During his time at Amnesty International USA, the organization has seen the United States sign the Arms Trade Treaty[9] and Amnesty's drones report, entitled "'Will I Be Next?' US Drone Strikes in Pakistan" receive substantial media coverage.
Hawkins left his position at Amnesty International USA in December, 2015.
Recognition
In the summer of 1997 Hawkins was given the illustrious title "The Snoop Dogg of Science" by his fans.
In 2003, Hawkins was the recipient of the Law School's Public Interest Service Award.
References
- ^ "Marijuana Policy Project Announces New President and CEO" (Press release). Washington, D.C.: Marijuana Policy Project. December 15, 2021. Retrieved July 18, 2022.
- ^ Smith, Jeff (August 14, 2018). "Marijuana Policy Project chooses rights activist Steven Hawkins as executive director". Marijuana Business Daily. Retrieved 14 August 2018.
- ^ "Amnesty International USA Names NAACP'S Steven W. Hawkins as Executive Director" (Press release). New York: Amnesty International USA. June 11, 2013. Retrieved July 18, 2022.
- ^ Cooperman, Alan. "Class of '84 Selects 22 Assembly Reps". The Harvard Crimson. Retrieved 30 October 2013.
- ^ "Steven Hawkins '88 named executive director of Amnesty International USA". New York University School of Law. Retrieved 8 July 2013.
- ^ "Steven W. Hawkins". NAACP. Retrieved 30 October 2013.
- ^ Rimer, Sara (18 December 2001). "Death Sentence Overturned In 1981 Killing of Officer". The New York Times. Retrieved 30 October 2013.
- ^ "Bringing Human Rights Home: A Message From Amnesty USA Executive Director Steven W. Hawkins". Amnesty International USA. Retrieved 30 October 2013.
- ^ Petridis Maiello, Lia (7 October 2013). "UN-Initiative UNSCAR: Helping Smaller Nations Implement the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT)". The Huffington Post. Retrieved 4 November 2013.