The Greater Columbia Community Relations Council (CRC) held its 60th Diamond Anniversary Luncheon and Awards Presentation on June 20, 2024. The event took place at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.
The CRC was formed in 1964 to address racial tension. It originated from a concept developed by local leaders who sought to unite the community during a period when Black and White citizens could not publicly meet to eat together. The first meeting was hosted by the President of USC, Thomas Jones, leading to the formation of the Columbia Luncheon Club and the Community Relations Council.
Today, the CRC continues to serve as a forum for dialogue and programs that address complex social issues, working to unite the community. Since the early 90s, the CRC has hosted an annual agency business luncheon. In 1994, this event was expanded to recognize local leaders and philanthropists who work to improve our community.
The board of directors created three annual awards to honor individuals and businesses from across the Midlands. The criteria for selection is the nominee must reside or operate in the Midlands region, with documented service to the community to improve the quality of life for community residents.
The Milton Kimpson Community Service Award was created in honor of a
Carolina Panorama Publisher Nathaniel Abraham Jr. (center) is all smiles as he displays the Greater Columbia Community Relation’s Council Milton Kimpson Award. Also pictured are (left to right): Judge Milton Kimpson, Patricia Abraham, Cynthia Hardy and Jean Hopkins.
former CRC executive director and board member. The criteria for selection is the nominee should be an individual that has made a recognizable contribution to the community; specifically, provided or facilitated services to others who may have suffered in some manner if the service had not been rendered, given an exceptional amount of time and effort to help others regardless of cultural or racial differences, and reside in the Midlands.
This year’s Milton Kimpson Community Service Award was presented to Carolina Panorama Publisher Nathaniel Abraham Jr. and JoAnn Turnquist of the Central Carolina Community Foundation.
The Bates-Jones Equity and Philanthropy Award is given to a local business
or organization that has displayed exceptional dedication in addressing the needs of the community. AgFirst Farm Credit Bank and Scout Motors received the award.
The Hyman Rubin, Sr. Distinguished Service Award is given to an individual or an agency who has displayed exceptional concern for improving the quality of life of people in the Greater Columbia community. This year’s award was given to W. Keller Kissam, CEO of Dominion Energy.
The Greater Columbia Community Relations Council hosts this event annually. For more information, contact Larry Salley, Executive Director at the CRC at (803) 733- 1134 or (803) 600-3484, email larrysalley@comrelations.org, or visit the website at greatercolacrc.org.
