The Columbia Housing held a 90th Anniversary Celebration at its headquarters on Harden Street on Tuesday, April 30, 2024. Hundreds of people attended this historic celebration. Cynthia Hardy, Columbia Housing Senior VP of Communications, presided over the event.
The ceremony began with an invocation by Rev. Faye Daniels, followed by the Presentation of Colors by the CA Johnson AFJROTC. The welcome was given by Columbia Housing CEO Yvonda A. Bean. She recognized special guests such as Alexenza Furgess, Columbia Urban League CEO JT McLawhorn, Jean Hopkins and Columbia Fire Chief Aubrey Jenkins.
During her remarks, Bean paid tribute to Columbia Housing’s past and look forward to its future. Columbia Housing has over $100 million in new construction projects starting soon, including 435 new housing units.
Following remarks by Ernest Cromartie III Esq., Chairman of Columbia Housing Board of Commissioners, Cynthia Hardy gave a historical overview of Columbia Housing. She reminded the crowd
of some of the local giants upon whose shoulders Columbia Housing stands, including Senator Kay Patterson, E. W. Cromartie, Gilbert Walker, Bobby Gist, and Vince Ford.
Barry Hall, Columbia Housing’s Chief Operating Officer, introduced SC State Senator Tameika Isaac Devine. Senator Devine said that for 90 years, Columbia Housing has given the nation an example for other public housing entities to emulate.
“Always remember who you serve and why,” said, “for when you understand your why you’ll find your how.”
