Columbia, SC. The Honorable Mayor Steve Benjamin presented a Proclamation declaring April 22, 2021 as the BenedictAllen Community Development Corporation (CDC) Day in the City of Columbia marking the celebration of the CDC’s 25years of success to the Midlands. On hand to receive the proclamation were Venus Sabb, Interim CDC Executive Director, and Emma McGraw Myers, CDC 25th Anniversary Chair/CDC Board Member. The CDC is hosting a virtual celebration on April 22nd to commemorate this historic milestone. The Benedict-Allen CDC is one of the oldest in the country and nationally recognized for its remarkable work in building and rehabbing affordable housing, contributing to economic sustainability and promoting community development especially in the Waverly, Edgewood-Read and Ridgewood Communities.
Ten local leaders will be recognized for their valuable contributions to the CDC during its formative years with a Community Impact Award: Nate Barber, Retired, South State Bank/CDC Board Member, The Honorable Steve Benjamin, Mayor, City of Columbia; Dr. Lady June Cole, Former Allen University President/Former CDC Board Member; TheHonorable E. W. Cromartie, Former City Council/Former CDC Board Member; Jocelyn Jennings, Retired, Richland CountyCommunity Development; Rev. Johnny Ray Noble, PhD, CDC Board Member; Larry Salley, Former CDC Executive Director; Joyce L. Seabrook, Former CDC Executive Assistant; Dalton Tresvant II, Field Representative-Clyburn’s Office; and Dr. Ruby W. Watts, CDC Founding Board Member. Also Dr. David H. Swinton, Former Benedict President and Founding CDC Board Chairman, will receive the Visionary Award and Brenda Oliver, Board Vice Chairman, will be given the Chairman’s Award. (CDC Honorees)
Democratic National Committee Chairman Jamie Harrison will give keynote remarks with special greetings from HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge, Allen President and CDC Board Member Dr. Ernest McNealey and Community Leader Jennifer Clyburn Reed. WLTX TV News Anchor Darci Strickland will narrate the tribute.
The Celebration can be viewed online on Thursday, April 22nd at 3 pm EST. See the links below:
Livestream – Benedict College | Columbia, South Carolina
It will also simultaneously run on the Official Benedict College Facebook page and Official YouTube Channel.
