The Greater Columbia Community Relations Council (CRC) is proud to announce its 60th Diamond Anniversary Luncheon and Awards Presentation, to be held on June 20, 2024, at 12 p.m. The event will take place at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, located at 1101 Lincoln Street, Columbia, SC.
As we celebrate our 60th year of service to the community, the CRC reflects on the remarkable journey we’ve undertaken since 1964. This Diamond Anniversary marks six decades of unwavering commitment to fostering unity, understanding, and progress within our community. We are incredibly excited to honor our legacy and continue our mission to create a more inclusive and harmonious Midlands community. The CRC’s anniversary is not just a milestone but a testament to the dedication and support of countless individuals and organizations who have worked alongside us. We are thrilled to celebrate this historic occasion and look forward to many more years of impactful service and community building.
g The CRC, formed in 1964 to address racial tension, 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 has created three annual awards that are given to individuals and businesses from across the Midlands region. The awards are the Hyman Rubin, Sr. Distinguished Service Award. 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 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.
The final award is the Bates-Jones Equity and Philanthropy Award which is given to a local business or organization that must operate or provide services in the Midlands. An organization that has displayed exceptional dedication in addressing the needs of the community thereby positively impacting the well-beingof Midland residents through volunteerism & community involvement, financial support, and diversity in employment and promotions.
This year’s milestone event will honor the following distinguished individuals and organizations for their exceptional contributions to the Midlands community:
Hyman Rubin, Sr. Award – W. Keller Kissam, CEO, Dominion Energy
Bates-Jones Award
AgFirst Farm Credit Bank and Scout Motors
Milton Kimpson Award – JoAnn Turnquist former CEO, Central Carolina Community Foundation, and Nathaniel Abraham, Jr., Owner/CEO, Carolina Panorama
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.
