Secretary Richard W. Riley and four others to receive 2014 NAACP Presidential Citation
June 16, 2014
COLUMBIA, SC – The South Carolina State Conference of the NAACP will present former U.S. Secretary of Education Richard W. Riley with its coveted Presidential Citation at the annual Freedom Fund Celebration on Friday, June 13 in Columbia, SC.
Secretary Riley is being honored for his education advocacy. Riley won national recognition for his successful education improvements in South Carolina during the 1980s. In 1992, he was chosen by President Clinton to serve in his Cabinet as the nation’s chief education officer. During the President’s first term, Secretary Riley helped launch historic initiatives to raise academic standards; improve instruction for the poor and disadvantaged; expand grant and loan programs to help more Americans go to college; prepare young people for the world of work; and improve teaching. He also created the Partnership for Family Involvement in Education, which included more than 8,000 groups.
After the 1996 election, Secretary Riley continued to lead President Clinton’s national crusade for excellence in education, where he made great strides and historic contributions to education.
Riley left his national post in 2001 and rejoined the law firm of Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough. In 2010, he was inducted into the South Carolina Hall of Fame. Today, Riley is also the Senior Partner in Education Counsel, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the law firm, which specializes in education policy, strategy, advocacy and law.
The Presidential Citation is presented to South Carolinians for their lifelong commitment to civil rights and service to the community. Other honorees include: Dr. Rose D. Gibbs, MD – Health Advocacy; Rev. Richard Johnson, Sr. and Mrs. Pinkie Smith Johnson (posthumously) – Civil Rights Advocacy; and Elder Willie Nelson (posthumously) – Human Rights Advocacy.
Dr. Lonnie Randolph, Jr., president of the South Carolina State Conference, NAACP, said, “Each year, it is a pleasure to host the Freedom Fund Celebration. Perhaps one of the biggest joys is the honoring of outstanding South Carolinians who have made a tremendous impact on our state through their brave works and selfless advocacy. The four gems we are recognizing this year are very deserving of this honor.”
Keynote speaker for the evening is national talk host, human rights visionary, and community leader, Rev. Mark A. Thompson.
The media is invited to cover this event. Interview opportunities are available. Please contact Teowonna Clifton at[email protected] or 803-348-5847 for more information.
