The Benedict-Allen Community Development Corporation (CDC) proudly recognizes and celebrates the dedicated service and steadfast leadership of outgoing Board members Emma McGraw Myers, Oveta Glover, Mr. Willis Langley III, and Mr. Henry Simon, whose commitment to community advancement has helped strengthen the organization’s mission of neighborhood revitalization and sustainable development.
Myers served 18 years in several compacities including Chair of the Annual Retreats and the 20th Anniversary Celebration and 25th Anniversary Documentary. Myers who is President of E.M. Consultants also served on the Nominating, Personnel and Strategic Planning Committee.
Glover, who is the Columbia Chapter NAACP President, has been a Board Member since 2022 and served at Vice-Chair of the CDC. Simon, who is the Assistant City Manager of Operations for the City of Columbia along with Langley, who is a well-respected McDonald’s franchise owner, has served on the board for four years.
During their service, they have all played an integral part in advancing the vision and strategic priorities of the Benedict-Allen CDC. Through their leadership, insight, and unwavering support, they contributed to efforts that helped expand opportunities for neighborhood transformation, housing revitalization, and economic growth throughout the community.
“Dedicated leadership and servant-hearted commitment are essential to transformative community impact,” said Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, President and CEO of Benedict College. “We are deeply grateful for the remarkable service of Emma Myers, Oveta Glover, Henry Simon and Willis Langley, III. Their wisdom, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to the mission of the Benedict-Allen Community Development Corporation have helped advance meaningful progress in the communities we serve. Their contributions have left an enduring imprint on this work, and we celebrate their legacy of service with sincere appreciation.”
The Benedict-Allen Community Development Corporation (CDC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was created to promote residential and commercial revitalization by seeking and providing resources for the acquisition, renovation, and redevelopment of substandard properties. The primary objective of the CDC is to serve as a catalyst for improvement by combining public and private resources to accomplish shared goals. The organization also works to revitalize commercial corridors as proposed in the City of Columbia Master Plan while promoting homeownership through the acquisition, renovation, and resale of housing to individuals and families.
“The Benedict-Allen CDC has benefited immensely from the leadership, vision, and dedication of these outstanding women,” said Dr. Michelle L.K. Raven, Executive Director of the Benedict Allen Community Development Corporation. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude and wish them continued success as they move forward from Board service.”
Throughout their tenure, Myers, Glover, Langley, and Simon have exemplified the spirit of civic leadership and collaborative engagement that remains central to the CDC’s work. Their efforts helped reinforce the organization’s commitment to serving as a catalyst for meaningful change
by leveraging partnerships and resources to support revitalized neighborhoods and stronger communities.
(From left to right) Dr. Michelle L.K. Raven, Executive Director of the Benedict Allen Community Development Corporation; Emma McGraw Myers, MSW, President and CEO of E.M. Consultants; Oveta Glover, President of the Columbia Branch NAACP; Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, President and CEO of Benedict College and Dr. Stanley J. Pritchett, Sr., President of Allen University.