H*4788 Resolution, By Weeks
 A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO COMMEND MR. JAMES T. MCCAIN OF SUMTER, A LEGENDARY
 FREEDOM FIGHTER FOR HIS EXTRAORDINARY ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND LIFE WORKS AND
 SINCERELY WISH THE BEST FOR HIM AS HE CELEBRATES HIS NINETY-SEVENTH BIRTHDAY
 ON MARCH 8, 2002.

   02/21/02  House  Introduced and adopted HJ-44

TO COMMEND MR. JAMES T. MCCAIN OF SUMTER, A LEGENDARY FREEDOM FIGHTER FOR HIS EXTRAORDINARY ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND LIFE WORKS AND SINCERELY WISH THE BEST FOR HIM AS HE CELEBRATES HIS NINETY-SEVENTH BIRTHDAY ON MARCH 8, 2002.

Whereas, James T. McCain will celebrate his ninety-seventh birthday on March 8, 2002, and the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are proud to recognize this "freedom fighter's" life and accomplishments; and

Whereas, James McCain was born on March 8, 1905, in Sumter, South Carolina where he attended elementary and secondary schools and proved himself to be a bright student with determination; and

Whereas, Mr. McCain graduated from Morris College in Sumter and while struggling against the obstacles faced by black Americans at that time, earned his Master's Degree in education from Temple University in 1940; and

Whereas, James T. McCain has been a driving force in improving education for black students having worked as a teacher, principal, college professor, registrar, and college dean; his efforts were recognized in 1952 when the Negro Educational Review declared him runner-up in a nationwide Classroom Teacher-of-the-Year project; and

Whereas, James McCain is widely known for his contribution to the struggle for full citizenship, human dignity, and civil rights for black Americans; during the 1960's, he helped lead the nonviolent "sit-ins," "freedom rides," and marches that pushed the American Civil Rights movement forward; and

Whereas, in later years James McCain continued to fight for racial justice while serving in the positions of Field Secretary and Director of Organization for the Congress of Racial Equality, a group committed to elevating the economic and social status of minorities; and

Whereas, Mr. McCain has continued his academic pursuits throughout his life, having contributed numerous volumes and manuscripts on the Civil Rights movement covering the period from 1957 to 1971 to the South Caroliniana Library, and he has been inducted into the University of South Caroliniana Society; and

Whereas, James McCain, in his constant efforts to improve the condition of his fellow man, has given of his time and talents to a variety of civic organizations including the South Carolina Council on Human Relations, the Boy Scouts of America, the Palmetto Education Association, the Sumter County Council on Aging, and the Governor's Council on Human Affairs for South Carolina; and

Whereas, Mr. McCain has been recognized as the Outstanding Senior Citizen of the Year for South Carolina and has received the Order of the Palmetto; and

Whereas, James McCain is married to the former Ida M. Chennault, and they are the proud parents of three children; Arnetta M. Doty, Joyce McCain, and James T. McCain, Jr. Mr. McCain serves as the trustee emeritus of the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, and throughout his life and career he has served as a shining example of how to give of oneself for the betterment of others. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, commend Mr. James T. McCain of Sumter, a legendary freedom fighter, for his extraordinary accomplishments and life works and sincerely wish the best for him as he celebrates his ninety-seventh birthday on March 8, 2002.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Mr. James T. McCain of Sumter, South Carolina.