Green’s Dictionary of Slang

(US black) very cold weather; thus Hawkins time, winter.

1877		Chester Dly Times (PA) 3 Jan. n.p.: Yesterday, while walking along Third street, we met that well-known colored man Minus, and saluted him with the time of day, adding that Hawkins was out pretty strong to-day.
1936		in Chicago Defender 4 Oct. 20: And these cold mornings are on us – in other words ‘Hawkins’ has got us. Many of us didn’t have time to think about our ‘kivvers,’ for ‘Hawkins’ sneaked up on us overnight. Some smarty has launched a smart number titled, ‘When Winter Comes, Will You Be Ready?’.
1944		D. Burley N.Y. Amsterdam News 15 Jan. 10A: Hawkins asks each and every livin’ ‘olde man where’s your benny?’.
1944		D. Burley Orig. Hbk of Harlem Jive 44: Mister Hawkins rides his December chariot.
1946		D. Burley N.Y. Amsterdam News 7 Sept. 17: Those who expect to go through the coming Hawkins-time on [...] hot dogs and coca cola.
1947		M.H. Boulware Jive and Sl.
1958		Hughes & Bontemps Book of Negro Folklore 484: hawkins: the wind, wintertime, cold weather, ice, snow.