S*1193 Concurrent Resolution, By Jackson
 A Concurrent Resolution to urge the American Bar Association to give its
 favorable consideration for the Thurgood Marshall Award to one of South
 Carolina's most distinguished citizens, Judge Matthew J. Perry.

   02/28/96  Senate Introduced, adopted, sent to House SJ-13
   02/29/96  House  Introduced, adopted, returned with concurrence HJ-2

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

TO URGE THE AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION TO GIVE ITS FAVORABLE CONSIDERATION FOR THE THURGOOD MARSHALL AWARD TO ONE OF SOUTH CAROLINA'S MOST DISTINGUISHED CITIZENS, JUDGE MATTHEW J. PERRY.

Whereas, Judge Matthew J. Perry was born in Columbia, South Carolina and is a graduate of Booker T. Washington High School, South Carolina State College, and the School of Law, South Carolina State College; and

Whereas, Judge Perry married the former Ms. Hallie Bacote of Timmonsville and honorably served his country in the United States Army from 1942 to 1946; and

Whereas, Judge Perry has been the recipient of countless honorary degrees, awards and recognition, including the Order of the Palmetto, the highest honor which may be conferred on an individual citizen in the state of South Carolina by the Governor, and South Carolinian of the Year, by the WIS television station; and

Whereas, Judge Perry has established a distinguished legal career devoted to the cause of civil rights dating back to the 1950's and the 1960's; and

Whereas, Judge Perry served for several years on the Board of Directors of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and as counsel and chairman of the Legal Committee of the Board of the South Carolina Conference of Branches of the NAACP; and

Whereas, Judge Perry received the William R. Ming Advocacy Award, recognizing him for outstanding skills and successes as a lawyer representing causes espoused by the NAACP; and

Whereas, the many cases argued and won by Judge Perry relating to civil rights have provided equal opportunities and obtained justice for individuals that otherwise may not have been realized; and

Whereas, cases argued by Judge Perry resulted in the admission of the first African-Americans to Clemson University and the University of South Carolina, and the desegregation of numerous elementary and secondary schools throughout the state of South Carolina; and

Whereas, other cases argued by Judge Perry resulted in the desegregation of public parks, beaches and other recreational areas that had been segregated pursuant to statute, and the reapportionment of the South Carolina House of Representatives which resulted in the election of the first African-American representatives this century; and

Whereas, in 1975, Judge Perry was nominated by President Gerald Ford and unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate as a Judge of the United States Court of Military Appeals; and

Whereas, in 1979, Judge Perry was nominated by President Jimmy Carter and unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate as a United States District Judge for the District of South Carolina; and

Whereas, the Thurgood Marshall Award is intended to recognize members of the legal profession who have made significant long term contributions to the advancement of civil rights, civil liberties, and human rights in the United States; and

Whereas, Judge Perry possesses the requisite virtues and characteristics required for the nominees of this distinguished award, including a tireless dedication to the cause of civil rights. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:

That the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina urges the American Bar Association to give its favorable consideration for the Thurgood Marshall Award to one of South Carolina's most distinguished citizens, Judge Matthew J. Perry.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Judge Perry.