Hawkins, Martha: - Martha Hawkins was born the tenth of twelve children in Montgomery at the height of the Civil Rights Movement, and she overcame poverty and mental illness to become a successful restaurateur and inspirational speaker. Today, her restaurant Marthas Place is a nationally-known stop for anyone who visits the Deep South and is a culinary fixture of life for Montgomery residents. Her cooking, restaurant, life story, and inspirational words have been featured in many national publications including The New York Times, Oprah Magazine, Southern Living, Essence, and Guideposts.