"I am not afraid to speak up and ask questions. I am a spokesperson for the community. I am the block captain." Nancy Dawkins is a force to be reckoned with, a walking legacy who does not take no for an answer, and the wittiest 96-year old I know! She is a community activist, an education advocate (and former educator of 35 years), Liberty City pioneer, and one of my most favorite people! She along with her late husband, Miller Dawkins, who served as a City of Miami Commissioner for years, moved into their Liberty City home over 60 years ago. Since then, Mrs. Dawkins has worked tirelessly to make her community a better place. In 2017, the City of Miami named Northwest 50th St from 12th to 17th avenues as ‘Mrs. Nancy S. Dawkins Way,’ for all of her hard work and dedication to the community. Dawkins grew up in South Florida and graduated from Dillard High School in 1941. She then went to Bethune-Cookman University and graduated with her associate’s degree, then went to Florida A&M University to receive her bachelor’s in home economics and elementary education. She later got her master’s in education from Indiana University in 1962. One of Dawkins’ major accomplishments includes starting the Northwest Chapter of AARP in Miami. “It was important for me because of all the benefits that AARP offered,” Dawkins said. “I was a member of AARP in an integrated group and it was not convenient for me to go to their meetings. [Former County Commissioner] Dr. Barbara Carey-Shuler and my husband encouraged me to start one in the neighborhood.” The AARP chapter allows its members to receive benefits for seniors. Dawkins said businesses and politicians come and inform them of what’s going on and benefits they can receive. Dawkins currently speaks to young people and encourages young girls to take up engineering and technology. She’s also an active member of Mt. Zion AME Church. Dawkins has not slowed down. She wants to help anyone that she crosses paths with and the younger generation. “I encourage young people because you are going to be the people to carry the country on while we’re gone and look out for the senior citizens,” Dawkins said. “My motto is to do all I can while I can, and if there is anything I can do to help someone while I pass, my living will not be in vain. I thank the lord for longevity.”