State Senator Deon Tedder, State Representative Annie E. McDaniel, and members of the South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus (SCLBC) gathered at the South Carolina Statehouse Lobby on February 18, 2025 to host the annual HBCU Day at the State Capitol. The event will bring together presidents of South Carolina’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), lawmakers, students, and community leaders to recognize and celebrate the vital role of these institutions in shaping the state’s future.
Senator Deon Tedder, who initiated this annual tradition, emphasized the significance of HBCUs in South Carolina: “HBCUs are the backbone of educational opportunity for so many students in South Carolina. They have empowered generations of leaders, professionals, and changemakers, and this event ensures their voices and contributions are recognized at the highest levels of government.”
As a proud graduate of South Carolina State University, Senator Tedder knows firsthand the transformative power of an HBCU education. He stated: “This event is more than a celebration—it is a call to action. HBCUs play a critical role in economic development, workforce training, and community leadership, and we must continue to support their mission. As a graduate of South Carolina State University, I know the immense impact these institutions have in preparing students for success.”
The Legislative Black Caucus, chaired by State Representative Annie E. McDaniel, has been a strong advocate for policies that support and uplift HBCUs. HBCU presidents also shared insights on the successes and challenges their institutions face, reinforcing the need for continued investment in these historic schools.
The Young & Gifted Awards Ceremony celebrated African American high school seniors
The Columbia Urban League (CULSC) hosted its Annual Young & Gifted Awards Ceremony on Saturday, February 22, 2025, celebrating the achievements of more than 1,200 African American high school seniors.
In its 39th year, the Young & Gifted Awards Ceremony celebrated Black History Month with a tribute to young African American students from Allendale, Calhoun, Clarendon, Fairfield, Florence, Keshaw, Lee, Lexington, Marion, Newberry, Richland, and Sumter counties. This year’s theme is “Building the Nation: Honoring the Labor and Legacy of African Americans in Shaping America.” Honoring seniors who excel in academics, the arts, leadership technology, and athletics, this program is the largest across the state that celebrates African American achievement.
Additionally, this ceremony SPOTLIGHTED those seniors who have received special recognition in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Mr. James T. McLawhorn, Jr., president, and CEO of the Columbia Urban League, Inc. said that “since 1986, over twentythousand student achievers have been recognized. This recognition is a confidence enhancer for these achievers as they navigate through life challenges. Also, it recognizes the contribution and importance of the village including parental/family, teachers, and community stakeholders’ support to youth achievement.”
This year’s speaker was Monique Courtenay-Brown, M.D., Ph.D. She is a native of Columbia, South Carolina, and is the first African American female ophthalmologist to practice in South Carolina.
The event was held at Brookland Baptist Church, located at 1066 Sunset Boulevard, West Columbia, SC 29169.
The Columbia Urban League, Inc. is a multi-service, non-profit agency that promotes financial stability and racial inclusion in our community. The Columbia Urban League offers programs designed to provide economic empowerment and educational opportunities for those in need.
