Last week, we told y’all about the South Carolina Hall of Fame in Myrtle Beach that honors 100+ men and women of the past + present who have made exceptional contributions to South Carolina’s heritage and progress.
We opened the conversation to the community and asked y’all who you would induct into the hall of fame and why. Well, we got so many incredible nominations that we decided to make our own little hall of fame to honor those in our community – past and present – who deserve a medal of honor.
Without further ado, let’s take a moment to recognize + honor the 2020 inductees of CHStoday’s Community Hall of Fame:
Alice Ravenel Huger Smith (1876-1958), artist | “Noted artist of the Lowcountry, preservationist of Lowcountry scenes, Charleston resident. A leader of the Charleston Renaissance, art teacher (illustrious Elizabeth O’Neill Verner was her student), concerned citizen anxious to memorialize Charleston landscapes.”
Rev. Bill Stanfield, Director of Metanoia | “Bill and his family live in North Charleston and have worked tirelessly to build community and improve life options for the people in his neighborhood. Recently, Metanoia has been working to restore the former Chicora Elementary School. They plan to provide outstanding educational opportunities including cutting-edge early childhood services, childcare and literacy-based education for preschool children. Bill is the epitome of an effective community organizer, a good friend, father and husband.”
Carroll Campbell (1940-2005), former Governor of South Carolina | “Because of his leadership and vision, the Upstate and all of SC have benefited greatly.”
Ed Sellers, Chairman Emeritus for board of BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina | “Through the years he has promoted an extensive amount of dollars in philanthropist support of many SC programs and organizations.” Sellers was inducted into the South Carolina Business Hall of Fame in 2010.
Dr. Ernest Everett Just (1883-1941), scientist, academician, and writer | “Known as the Black Apollo of Science, [Just] was an African-American biologist of international standing who made many important contributions and firsts in a number of areas in the field of biology and related scientific pursuits. An annual symposium is held in his honor at the Medical University of South Carolina to celebrate his contributions and inspire emerging biologists and researchers.”
Grady Hendrix, best-selling author | “I’ve read 2 of his books that are set in SC and they are amazing. His most recent release [“The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires”] is being adapted for TV/movie.”
Greg Surratt, founding pastor of Seacoast Church | “For the amazing work through his church to help Charleston and South Carolina and reaching unchurched people.”
Gus Moody (1932-2015), Summerville High School Band Director | “Lead Summerville Bands to many state awards.”
John McKissick (1926-2019), Summerville High School football coach | “Won over 600 games, national award winner.” McKissick is nationally recognized as the winningest football coach in America.
Mary Jackson, sweetgrass basket weaver | “For her contribution to sustaining Gullah culture in Charleston.” You can find her work at Sweetgrass Baskets by Mary A located at 4 Carriage Ln.
Captain Richard Cammer, Vietnam War veteran | “Survived helicopter crash in Nam, sustained many injuries after saving one of his crew, risked his life many times to serve our country. Citadel grad.”
William Saunders, Korean War veteran + activist, | “He has been a tireless advocate of civil rights, and social and economic justice throughout the Lowcountry.” Among many accomplishments, Saunders founded the Committee on Better Racial Assurance (COBRA).
Additional nominations:
Chief Reuben Greenberg (1943-2014), former Charleston Police Chief
Dorothea Benton Frank (1951-2019), former Sullivan’s Island native + best-selling author
Dorothy M. White (1918-2009), former teacher + Head of the English Department at North Charleston High School
Stephen Colbert, former Charleston resident + current host of The Late Night Show
Trey Gowdy, SC native + former U.S. Representative
