While a college student at Benedict, she was committed to the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s and her photograph appears in the University of South Carolina Civil Rights Center for History and Research, where she is shown at the Columbia Airport greeting former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy with a sign that reads, “Welcome to SC, Land of Segregation and Discrimination!”
In addition to Mary’s leadership as the immediate past president of the Columbia (SC) Chapter of 100 Black Women, she is a member of the Columbia (SC) Chapter of Links, Columbia (SC) Chapter of the Smart Set, Benedict College Alumni Club, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. where she is Silver Star and Life Member. Recently, Mary founded JDM Investments, LLC, which opened two new Columbia businesses in 2023. The two businesses, 3 Generations Adult Day Care, LLC, and Melia’s Caregivers, LLC, address the growing needs of seniors and disabled adults in Northeast Columbia.
For her devoted community service, Mary has received numerous awards, among which are the Town of Hempstead (NY) Make a Difference Award, New York State United Teachers Community ESSENTIALS Service Award, and a community service award from Allen CUSTOM CANDLES, University. Other honors have DIFFUSERS, come from 100 Black Women, SOAPS, Alpha Kappa Alpha Soror- CANDLE MAKING Fi ity, Antioch Baptist Church CLASSES, and the Millennium Magazine. MAKINGSUPPLIES.AND 803
On Saturday, April 13, 2024, the chapter will celebrate a decade of advocacy for Black women, girls & their families by recognizing women who serve and awarding generous scholarships to promising high school graduating female students. This Annual Honors and Awards Luncheon will be held at 12 noon at the Brooklyn Conference Center.
Johnson C. Smith University Choir to perform at Northminster Presbyterian Church
On Monday, March 11, 2024, the award-winning Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU) Choir will perform at the Northminster Presbyterian Church, 6717 David St., Columbia, SC. Performance will begin at 7:00 pm. Attendance is open to the public. This is part of a three-state performance tour that includes Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. During JCSU’s visit to Columbia, college-bound high school seniors who have musical talent may apply to be auditioned for scholarship consideration at the university next Fall.
The choir is directed by Dr. Shawn-Allyce White, Associate Professor of Music
and Director of Choral Activities/University Soloist/ Music Coordinator. She has
been with JCSU for over 15 years. During her tenure her focus has been on growing the number of voices in the choir and exposing the choir to national and international communities.
Johnson C. Smith University, founded in 1867, is a private, Historically Black
University (HBCU) located at 100 Beatties Ford Rd., Charlotte, NC 28216. It is the #1 ranked private HBCU in the state of North Carolina, and #172 out of 211 National Liberal Arts Colleges according to US News & World Report.
This promises to be quite an evening of entertainment.
