Columbia Housing Authority
1997 Wall of Fame Inductees
Rev. Redfern, II - - Saxon Homes
1951-58
Rev. Redfern, II is a founder of the Ecumenical Church of Christ and
a long time civil rights activist in the Columbia community. Redfern
has made many
contributions to his community by establishing the Association for African
American students at USC, developing a newspaper for African American expression
and organizing the first Residents’ Association for the Saxon Homes public
housing community. In August of 1996, Redfern organized the first Columbia
Fest Neighborhood festival on the Congaree Vista, which drew people from all
over the state in celebration of Columbia’s neighborhoods.
Joseph Cardinal Bernadin - - Gonzales Gardens 1943-50
His Eminence Joseph Cardinal Bernadin, Archbishop of Chicago was a shining
example of how men from poor beginnings can rise to great things. A former
resident of Gonzales Gardens, Cardinal Bernadin quickly rose through the
ranks of the Roman Catholic Church to his final appointment as Archbishop
of Chicago and member of the College of Cardinals by Pope John Paul II. On
September 9, 1996, President Clinton awarded Cardinal Bernadin the Presidential
Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor bestowed on individuals
who have made contributions to their communities and the nation, for his
work on behalf of racial equality and arms control. Cardinal Bernadin passed
away in November of 1996 and was inducted posthumously. His sister, Elaine
Addison, accepted his award.
Debra Austin, Ph.D. - - Allen Benedict Court 1945-55
Debra Austin was the first African American in South Carolina to receive a
doctoral degree in nursing and certification as a clinical specialist in
medical-surgical nursing. Austin had been a leading educator in nursing for
nearly 30 years, and was serving as administrative head and professor for
the Baccalaureate Nursing Program at South Carolina State at the time of
her induction.
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Last Modified: March 18, 2003 4:58 PM