The South Carolina Chapters of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., will convene its 66th Annual District Conference on October 8-10, 2026, at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel (2100 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29210). Themed, “Homecoming,” the three-day conference plans to make a huge impact in the Columbia community and provide strategies and initiatives that the South Carolina Chapters of the historic Fraternity can implement in all communities statewide.
Founded on December 4, 1906, at Cornell University, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. has supplied voice and vision to the struggle of African Americans and people of color around the world. The Fraternity initially served as a study and support group for minority students who faced racial prejudice, both educationally and socially. Famous fraternity members who have been in the forefront of civil rights include W.E.B. DuBois, Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., Edward Brooke, Martin Luther King, Jr., Thurgood Marshall, Andrew Young, William Gray, and Paul Robeson.
On Thursday, October 8, at 7:00 p.m., during its Public Forum, the Fraternity will commemorate the Emanuel Nine who were tragically slain on June 17, 2015, at Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church, in Charleston, South Carolina. This will be done by honoring seven individuals who embody the spirit of “The Emanuel Nine” and for their own service to others. The event will take place at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Congaree Ballroom (2100 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29210).
The Emanuel Nine Award Recipients (At-a-Glance)
- Dr. Gloria Swindler Boutte (Educational Support) – founder and Executive Director of the Center for the Education and Equity of African American Students
- Brother Dr. Bobby J. Donaldson Jr. (Educational Support) – Associate Professor of History at the University of South Carolina
- Bishop Brother Dr. Eric J. Freeman (Faith) – Founder of The Meeting Place Church of Greater Columbia
- Dr. Charles B. Jackson Sr. (Faith) – Pastor, Brookland Baptist Church
- Colonel Christopher N. Williamson (Safety) – Commander of the South Carolina Highway Patrol
- Mr. Antjuan Seawright (Political Activism) – Founder and CEO of Blueprint Strategy, LLC
- Brother Curtis Frye Sr. (Volunteerism) – Retired Olympic Coach and Former Head Track and Field Coach at the University of South Carolina and Founder of the Frye Foundation
The Emanuel Nine Award for Educational Support
Dr. Gloria Swindler Boutte, founder and Executive Director of the Center for the Education and Equity of African American Students
Dr. Gloria Swindler Boutte, a native of Newberry, South Carolina, is a Carolina Distinguished Professor, at the University of South Carolina, whose more than three decades of work have been dedicated to advancing educational opportunities and equity for Black children. Her scholarship and teaching focuses on culturally relevant pedagogy, African American students, African Diaspora Literacy, and equity in education.
Dr. Boutte is the founder and Executive Director of the Center for the Education and Equity of African American Students (CEEAAS), through which she has created conferences, professional development programs, school partnerships, and educational initiatives designed to affirm and advance the brilliance of Black children. Her work has also connected educators and students in South Carolina to the histories, cultures, and intellectual traditions of Africa and the broader African Diaspora.
An accomplished scholar and author, Dr. Boutte has published more than 100 scholarly works and is the author and co-author of seven books, including Educating African American Students: And How Are the Children?, We Be Lovin’ Black Children: Learning to Be Literate About the African Diaspora, and African Diaspora Literacy: The Heart of Transformation in K–12 Schools and Teacher Education. Her contributions have earned numerous distinctions, including Fulbright Scholar and Fulbright Specialist appointments, the 2020 National Council of Teachers of English Outstanding Educator in English Language Arts Award, the 2021 American Educational Research Association Division K Legacy Award, and recognition as an AERA Fellow.
Beyond her scholarship, Dr. Boutte is a devoted mentor to educators, scholars, and community leaders, helping prepare generations of professionals to create more affirming and equitable educational experiences for children. Through teaching, research, advocacy, mentorship, and community service, she has made her guiding belief— “Believe in the power and the possibility of the Black child”—the work of a lifetime.
For her sustained commitment to educational excellence, community engagement, and creating opportunities for Black children and those who serve them, Dr. Gloria Swindler Boutte is honored as a recipient of the Emanuel Nine Award in Educational Support.
The Emanuel Nine Award for Educational Support
Brother Dr. Bobby J. Donaldson Jr., associate professor of history at the University of South Carolina
Brother Dr. Bobby J. Donaldson, Jr., is a distinguished historian, educator, and scholar of Southern history and African American life and culture in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. A native of Augusta, Georgia, he earned his B.A. in History and African American Studies from Wesleyan University and his Ph.D. in American History from Emory University. As an Associate Professor of History at the University of South Carolina, Dr. Donaldson’s research and writing explore African American intellectual thought, print culture, education, and religion. Through his scholarship, storytelling, and public history work, he brings important historical narratives to life and helps preserve the experiences, achievements, and contributions of African American communities.
Dr. Donaldson has contributed his expertise to museum exhibitions, archival collections, oral history initiatives, documentary films, and historic preservation projects. He leads the Center for Civil Rights History and Research and serves as lead scholar for Columbia SC 63: Our Story Matters, a documentary history initiative chronicling the struggle for civil rights and social justice in Columbia.
Recognized for both his scholarship and teaching, Dr. Donaldson has received numerous honors, including the Michael J. Mungo Undergraduate Teaching Award, the John N. Gardner Inspirational Faculty Award, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Social Justice Award. His enduring commitment to education, historical preservation, and public scholarship continues to illuminate the rich intellectual and cultural legacy of African Americans for present and future generations.
The Emanuel Nine Award for Faith
Bishop Brother Dr. Eric J. Freeman, founder of The Meeting Place Church of Greater Columbia
Bishop Brother Dr. Eric J. Freeman is a distinguished leader, scholar, minister, and community advocate whose more than three decades of service have strengthened communities throughout South Carolina and beyond. As the founder of The Meeting Place Church of Greater Columbia, he has helped transform the church into a major community institution, directing more than $42.5 million in community investment and supporting initiatives in healthcare, education, economic development, and empowerment.
A committed scholar and educator, Brother Freeman earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Florida, a Master of Arts in Religion from Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, and a Ph.D. in Ethics and Homiletics from Anderson University. He completed Cornell University’s Executive Leadership Program and is pursuing an Ed.M. in Educational Leadership at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education. He serves in academic and mentoring roles and is an accomplished author whose work explores faith, ethics, social justice, and educational leadership.
Brother Freeman’s civic leadership includes consulting with the South Carolina Department of Education, the South Carolina BlueCross BlueShield Foundation, and Richland County Government. He has also served as Co-Chair of the South Carolina Education Foundation and contributed to numerous educational, community development, and public policy initiatives.
A Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and former member of the South Carolina District Board, Brother Freeman exemplifies the Fraternity’s principles of Manly Deeds, Scholarship, and Love for All Mankind through his enduring commitment to service and leadership. His contributions have earned him numerous distinctions, including the NAACP South Carolina State Conference’s 2023 Humanitarian of the Year award. He is also a Diamond Life Member of the NAACP.
Bishop Brother Dr. Eric J. Freeman’s legacy is reflected in the institutions he has helped build, the leaders he has mentored, and the communities he continues to serve. His life and work embody the spirit of Alpha Phi Alpha and the enduring distinction of an Emanuel Nine Award Recipient in the category of Faith.
The Emanuel Nine Award for Faith
Dr. Charles B. Jackson Sr., pastor, Brookland Baptist Church
Dr. Charles B. Jackson, Sr., a native of West Columbia, South Carolina, is a beloved pastor, educator, community leader, and servant whose life reflects a deep commitment to faith, family, and community.
A graduate of Brookland-Cayce High School, Dr. Jackson earned his B.S. in Mathematics, magna cum laude, from Benedict College and his Master of Divinity degree with honors from the Morehouse School of Religion of the Interdenominational Theological Center. He has also received honorary doctoral degrees from Morris College, Benedict College, Columbia International University, and the University of South Carolina.
Dr. Jackson answered the call to ministry at an early age, preaching at nine, licensed at ten, ordained at twelve, and becoming pastor of his home church, Brookland Baptist Church, at eighteen. For 55 years, he has faithfully served as pastor, guiding Brookland’s growth into a dynamic ministry centered on
Evangelism, Education, and Economic Empowerment.
Under his leadership, Brookland Baptist Church has developed numerous ministries and community initiatives that provide educational, health, economic, and social services to thousands of people throughout the Midlands and beyond. His commitment to mentoring has also helped prepare generations of pastors and ministers for service.
Dr. Jackson’s distinguished service has earned numerous honors, including the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor, and induction into the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame. He has also served as Guest Chaplain of the United States House of Representatives.
Dr. Jackson is devoted to his family. He and his wife of 51 years, Robin, are the proud parents of Reverend Charles B. Jackson, Jr., and Attorney Candace Jackson, and grandparents of nine grandchildren who lovingly call him “Papa.”
His life and ministry stand as a lasting testament to faith, servant leadership, and a commitment to empowering generations to come.
The Emanuel Nine Award for Safety
Colonel Christopher N. Williamson, commander of the South Carolina Highway Patrol
Colonel Christopher N. Williamson, a native of Darlington, South Carolina, was raised with strong values of hard work, integrity, leadership, and service. As the oldest of 12 children, he developed a passion for leadership and mentoring at an early age.
A 1985 graduate of Fayetteville State University, Colonel Williamson earned a bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in police science. He began his law enforcement career with the South Carolina Department of Corrections, later serving with the Darlington County Sheriff’s Department before joining the South Carolina Highway Patrol in 1988. Over a distinguished four-decade career, he advanced through numerous leadership positions and was appointed Commander of the South Carolina Highway Patrol in 2017, becoming the first African American to hold the position.
Colonel Williamson earned a master’s degree in clinical and behavioral counseling from Webster University. His commitment to law enforcement, leadership, and community service has earned him numerous honors, including the South Carolina Chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving Lifetime Achievement Award, the Strom Thurmond Award for Excellence in Law Enforcement, the Brotherhood’s Martin Luther King Jr. Drum Major Medallion Award, and the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor.
His lasting contributions to his community and state were further recognized when the South Carolina General Assembly designated a portion of Society Hill Road in Darlington County as “Colonel Christopher N. Williamson Road.” He remains committed to serving others, mentoring youth, strengthening the relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve, and ensuring officers have the resources, technology, and equipment needed to serve safely and effectively.
Colonel Williamson is married to Deloris Williamson. They have two daughters, Krissy and Daysha, and three grandchildren: Kristina, Kailyn, and Logan.
The Emanuel Nine Award for Political Activism
Mr. Antjuan Seawright, founder and CEO of Blueprint Strategy, LLC
Mr. Antjuan Seawright is a nationally recognized political strategist, entrepreneur, community leader, and the founder and CEO of Blueprint Strategy LLC, a South Carolina-based public relations, advertising, and political consulting firm. Throughout his career, he has provided strategic leadership to presidential, congressional, statewide, and local campaigns, helping shape grassroots and civic engagement efforts across the country. He has advised Hillary Clinton’s 2008 and 2016 presidential campaigns and has worked with leading democratic political organizations, including the DNC, DCCC, DSCC, and state democratic parties.
Beyond politics, Mr. Seawright is a trusted advisor to corporate, nonprofit, governmental, and sports organizations. His commitment to public service and community advancement has earned him recognition at both the local and national levels.
A proud graduate of Winthrop University and Webster University, Mr. Seawright holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and marketing and a master’s in business administration. He is also a graduate of the Congressional Black Caucus Institute’s Political Boot Camp.
Mr. Seawright’s leadership extends to the media, where he serves as a CBS News political contributor and has written for The Hill, BuzzFeed News, BET News, and The Christian Recorder. He hosts Insight with Antjuan Seawright, a weekly public affairs radio program in South Carolina, and co-hosts Hot Button Mondays with Reverend Al Sharpton.
Through his professional accomplishments, community service, and commitment to developing opportunities for others, Mr. Seawright continues to make a meaningful impact in South Carolina and beyond.
The Emanuel Nine Award for Volunteerism
Brother Curtis Frye Sr., retired olympic coach and former head track and field coach at the University of South Carolina and founder of the Frye Foundation
Brother Curtis Frye, Sr. is a legendary coach, mentor, philanthropist, and community servant whose life exemplifies excellence, leadership, and a commitment to uplifting others. As the longtime Head Track and Field Coach at the University of South Carolina, Coach Frye developed Olympians, national champions, All-Americans, and generations of student-athletes who achieved excellence both on and off the track. Yet his greatest legacy extends far beyond athletics.
Through The Frye Foundation, Coach Frye transformed his influence and relationships into meaningful opportunities for others. The Foundation supports individuals and families affected by diabetes and mental illness while advancing charitable and community causes. His commitment is particularly focused on helping families who face financial barriers to essential diabetes care and resources.
Education has also remained central to his service. Coach Frye has supported endowed scholarships at Midlands Technical College and Sandhills Community College, creating opportunities that will continue to benefit students for generations.
A proud Brother of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and a member of More Light Lodge No. 468, F&AM, Prince Hall Affiliated, Coach Frye embodies the principles of brotherhood, charity, leadership, and service.
His remarkable career produced champions, but his greatest victories may be the lives he has touched, the opportunities he has created, and the people he has inspired to serve others. Through his time, resources, relationships, and unwavering commitment, Brother Frye has demonstrated that true leadership is measured not only by how high one rises, but by how many others one helps rise along the way.