Deacon Alonza Hopkins, Sr. was a native of Thomasville, Georgia, and the second of thirteen children born to the late Ananias and Arleatha Hopkins. He graduated from Douglas High School in Thomasville and also attended Florida Normal Junior College in St. Augustine graduating with a degree in business.

Deacon Hopkins, was affectionately known as "Buddy" by his family and was warmly referred to as "Deac" by his Church Family. He resided in Freeport, New York for the past twenty-seven years. He was employed as a Mechanical Engineer with the Freeport Housing Authority and retired in August 2000 after 27 years.

Alonza Hopkins was a strong community activist. He was the lead plaintiff in the lawsuit that brought about the change in the Nassau County government. The legacy he leaves behind is for the first time in the history of Nassau County; the minority community has representation in the governing body of Nassau County.

Alonza Hopkins served as the chairperson of the Freeport Economic Opportunity Council, Inc. and later the Freeport/Roosevelt EOC, Inc. for 22 years. He was the chairperson of the Community Economic Development Corporation, Inc., vice chairperson of the Economic Opportunity Commission of Nassau County, Inc. Board of Directors. He was the recipient of the EOC's Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. "Keeper of the Dream" Award.

Charles Batson, EOC Chairman

Scott Richardson, Head Start Policy Council Chairman

Bonnie Bertram

Candace Bowser

Brooker DeVore-Secretary, EOC

Arlene Dugar

Naomi Ellis

Blanca Fabian

Velma Gipson

Steve Gonzalez

Dr. John C. Guthman

Clarence C. Hudson-Treasurer, EOC

Marjorie Hussey

Patricia Johnson

Herman Maston-Treasurer, CEDC

Helen Morgan-Secretary, CEDC

Karim Rasheed

Birdie Riley

Shari P. Riley-Exec. Vice Chairman, EOC

Charmaine Ross

Brian Staley, Sr.

Nicole Starks, Chairperson, Countywide Youth Council

Herman E. Tibbs

Anne J. Wells-Vice Chairman, CEDC

Cynthia Diaz-Wilson