
Meet Johnny D. Hawkins
My name is Johnny D. Hawkins, and for nearly 38 years, I have served my country and community with honor, discipline, and purpose. My journey began as a proud United States Army Veteran, serving five years as a Military Leader. The Army taught me responsibility, courage, and unwavering dedication to the people I was entrusted to protect.
Following my military service, I continued that mission within the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, serving as a:
- Correctional Warden
- Director of Special Operations & Intelligence
- Operations/Intelligence Manager
These roles strengthened my belief that justice is not simply oversight — it is stewardship. It is the responsibility to protect, to guide, and to restore hope where it has faded.
After retiring from the Department of Public Safety, I served as the Chief of Detention Services for both the Durham County Sheriff’s Office and the Vance County Sheriff’s Office, gaining firsthand insight into the challenges facing our justice system, our families, and our front-line professionals.
My journey then led me to the Durham Housing Authority as the Security & Fraud Manager, where I met families across all seventeen DHA communities and those in the voucher program. Their stories — filled with resilience, struggle, and hope — grounded me in the real Durham. They reminded me of the power of community and the need for leadership that understands both policy and people.
It was during this season of service that the spirit of Ezekiel 37 spoke to me:
Dry bones can rise. Hope can return. Communities can live again.
That scripture became the heartbeat of Purpose – 2026.
Meet the Staff

Anthony Brown
Chief of Staff – Treasurer
Reverend Anthony E. Brown is a dedicated leader and community advocate, currently serving as the Lead Pastor at Cedar Rock Missionary Baptist Church in the Triangle Area of North Carolina. Anthony Brown earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics with a minor in Education from Saint Augustine’s College, graduating with honors, and further pursued his ministry calling at Campbell University’s Divinity School.
Anthony Brown has a diverse professional background. As the Human Resource Director for the Sheraton Imperial Hotel, he improved service quality and financial stability by developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and managing budgets and employee benefits. His commitment to community service shines through his role at Tailored Kingz Inc., where he serves as Chief Financial Officer and Director of Advocacy and Policy. There, he promotes personal and financial growth for men, advocates for criminal justice reform, and developes curricula to assist inmates post-release.
His experience as an educator in North Carolina Schools further highlights his dedication to community engagement. He taught and developed educational curricula in Mathematics and Science and supported students with learning disabilities. Through 4OR Kingz Enterprise Inc., he established mentorship programs to empower teens toward career readiness and financial independence.
Anthony Brown’s strategic leadership and commitment to service, positioned him to drive effective change that focuses on fostering community trust and empowerment through accountability and transparency. Anthony has committed his life to being an advocate for positive transformation in the communities he serve.

Tanaisha O’Neal, MHRM
Communications Advisor
Tanaisha is a public safety focused Human Resources professional with over 10 years of experience supporting large, regulated government agencies. She specializes in HR administration within public safety environments, including federal regulation compliance, workforce readiness, and HRIS data analysis for correctional and emergency management operations.
Currently serving with the North Carolina Department of Public Safety Division of Emergency Management, Tanaisha supports operational continuity by analyzing HR metrics, and advising leadership on policy adherence. Her background spans corrections, emergency management, and executive-level administrative support, providing her with a comprehensive understanding of the unique human capital demands within public safety organizations.
Tanaisha holds a Master of Science in Human Resources Management and is recognized for her ability to balance regulatory compliance, employee well-being, and mission-critical operational needs in high-risk, high-accountability environments.

Charis Morgan-Martin
Programs & Treatment Advisor
Charis provides experienced administrative and operational support, helping organizations and teams function with clarity and efficiency. With over 18 years of experience across the education, public safety, and nonprofit sectors, she brings expertise in administrative and operational support, strategic coordination, program development, and change management.
Known for her ability to organize complex systems and maintain steady operations, Charis approaches her work with professionalism, discretion, and attention to detail. She is committed to supporting leadership and teams so they can remain focused on their core mission.

Michael Taylor
Community Re-entry & Peer Support Advisor
Michael Taylor, the Founder and CEO of TailoredKingz Inc., hails from Durham, North Carolina, where his leadership is profoundly influenced by his personal journey. Raised by a devoted single mother in a fatherless household, Michael faced the challenges of urban life, which led him to make decisions that resulted in periods of incarceration. These experiences catalyzed his transformation, instilling a deep sense of accountability and a commitment.
In 2022, Michael took on the role of Community Outreach Coordinator with the Durham County Sheriff’s Office, focusing on building trust and reducing violence within the community. He connects individuals and families to essential resources, collaborating with law enforcement and nonprofit organizations nationwide to enhance community impact. In 2024, he expanded his outreach as a Peer Support Specialist at the Vance County Detention Center, providing mentorship and guidance to those reentering society.
Michael champions initiatives in personal development, leadership training, and career readiness, aiming to empower men to transform their narratives and lead their families with purpose. His authentic and results-driven leadership has earned him numerous accolades, including recognition for excellence in community outreach and violence reduction.

Samara Hawkins
Community Engagement and Services Coordinator
Samara Hawkins is the third daughter of Mr. Hawkins and a dedicated educator committed to serving students and her community. She currently teaches Pre-AP World History at TMSA High School, where she works with 9th and 10th grade students to build critical-thinking skills, academic confidence, and an appreciation for global history and culture. Samara strives to create a supportive, student-centered classroom environment that encourages leadership, character, and personal growth.
Before transitioning to secondary education, Samara served as a 2nd Grade Teacher at TMSA Public Charter Schools, where she developed engaging, standards-aligned lessons and collaborated closely with families to support student success. Alongside her work in education, she has professional experience in digital media and content creation through roles with Chanelle S. Reynolds, WhitPR, and the Charlotte 49ers Athletic Department, where she contributed to storytelling, media production, and brand communication.
Samara is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies with a Certificate in International Public Relations. She is currently pursuing her Master of Arts in Teaching at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, continuing her commitment to professional growth and educational excellence. Samara is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, where she remains actively involved in service and community engagement.

Sha’Air Hawkins
Social Media Advisor
Sha’Air is a creative strategist and community advocate who brings both professional expertise and artistic perspective to the campaign.
Professionally, they’ve spent their career building people-centered systems, managing recruitment and compliance, designing training programs that improve organizational culture, and leading people operations for healthcare and nonprofit organizations serving vulnerable populations. Their work focuses on creating environments rooted in trust, safety, and accountability. Their professional work focuses on creating environments where people feel valued, supported, and empowered.
Creatively, Sha’Air is an actor, voice artist, photographer, and creative director. They help people tell their stories through multiple mediums, from portraiture to performance.
Sha’Air believes our community deserves leadership that listens, serves with integrity, and sees the full humanity in every person, which is why they’re committed to this campaign.
Support Johnny Hawkins for Sheriff
Join the Campaign

We are currently seeking Volunteers with the Purpose – 2026 Committee for Johnny Hawkins. Please click the volunteer button to request more information!
Stay updated with Johnny Hawkins’s campaign for sheriff in Durham County. Your support makes a difference.
Endorsements That Count
Brigadier General(Retired)





