Two To Receive SC NAACP Presidential Citations For Civil Rights Advocacy
May 13, 2009
COLUMBIA, SC – May 13, 2009 – The South Carolina NAACP will present its Presidential Citation for Civil Rights Advocacy Award to Judge Matthew Perry and Bishop Frederick Calhoun James on Saturday, May 16, 2009 at the Centennial Freedom Fund Celebration, Carolina Coliseum, 701 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC. Doors will open for this event at 5:00pm. This recognition is bestowed upon South Carolinians for outstanding contributions to advance the cause of civil rights.
“Both Judge Perry and Bishop James have been unwavering advocates for social justice and civil rights,” said SC State Conference NAACP Executive Director, Dwight C. James, Sr. “The records of service and leadership of Judge Perry and Bishop James are celebrated and inspiring,” James continued.
Bishop James is former African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Bishop of South Carolina and president of the Sumter Branch NAACP. He is now retired, but maintains an office in Columbia. Bishop James has also received the State’s The Order of the Palmetto recognition in 2003 for his significant contributions to South Carolina.
Judge Matthew Perry began his legal career in 1956 in Spartanburg, S.C. where he was the first African-American to open a law office in the state, taking on significant civil rights cases, including Flemming v. South Carolina Electric and Gas Co. Judge Perry was also the lead attorney for the NAACP on a number of cases. Currently, Judge Perry is a senior judge in South Carolina’s Federal District Court.
About the NAACP
The South Carolina State Conference, NAACP is the leading civil rights organization in South Carolina. Our units are located in every county in the state as well as all major municipalities. Our mission is to end race discrimination in all sectors of American society and bring about equality of justice and equal opportunity for all citizens. Our programs strive to positively impact education, community development, employment, voting rights, criminal justice, health care, housing, and youth development, among other areas. We invite you to join the NAACP and help us continue to improve our society. For more information, call 803-754-4584, or e-mail [email protected].
