The Benedict -Allen Community Development Corporation Virtually Celebrate 25 Years of Success
US Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Marcia Fudge will give special remarks and Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, Jaime Harrison will be the Keynote Speaker
Columbia, SC – April 21, 2021 | The Benedict-Allen Community Development Corporation (Benedict-Allen CDC) continues to impact Columbia residents as it strives to tackle affordable housing for those who need it most. The non-profit organization is marking its 25th anniversary with a virtual celebration with an abundance of community support on April 22, at 3:00 p.m.
The US Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Marcia Fudge will give special remarks and Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, Jaime Harrison will be the Keynote Speaker.
According to the CDC 25th Anniversary Chair/Board member Emma McGraw Myers, "This 25th Anniversary Celebration is not only a historic milestone for the Midlands but also for Allen University and Benedict College. It demonstrates the significance of partnerships and the added value that collaborations bring to improve the well-being of the communities and quality of life to the people served.”
Founded in 1996, Benedict-Allen CDC is one of the oldest in the country that is operated by HBCUs. The CDC continues to promote residential and commercial revitalization by seeking and providing resources for the acquisition, renovation, and redevelopment of substandard properties. It also aims to promote community development especially in the Waverly, Edgewood-Read and Ridgewood Communities A primary objective of the CDC is to serve as a catalyst for improvement by combining public and private resources to accomplish common goals. The CDC seeks to revitalize commercial corridors as proposed in the City of Columbia Master Plan.
The Honorable Mayor Steve Benjamin of Columbia, SC presented the CDC a proclamation declaring April 22, 2021, as the Benedict Allen Community Development Corporation (CDC) Day in the City of Columbia marking the celebration of the CDC's 25 years of success to the Midlands and acknowledging the vital impact of the organization.
The Board of Directors consists of various community stakeholders, including neighborhood residents, the president of Benedict College, the president of Allen University, college staff, community, and business leaders.
Thursday’s virtual celebration honors ten local leaders who will be recognized 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; The Honorable E. W. Cromartie, Former City Council/Former CDC Board Member; Jocelyn Jennings, Retired, Richland County Community 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. Additionally, 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.
The program will begin promptly at 3:00 p.m. on April 22, 2021 and can be viewed live online from both Allen University, www.allenuniversity.edu/live-stream and Benedict College, http://www.benedict.edu/livestream. Both institutions will also carry the program on their respective social media pages.
To partner with the Benedict-Allen CDC, click here.