A concurrent RESOLUTION

 

to request that the department of transportation name the section of SOuth carolina Highway 321 In Estill from the Southern Town Limit Boundary to the Northern Town Limit Boundary IN Hampton COUNTY "Louise G. Hopkins Highway" and erect appropriate markers or signs at this location containing the Designation

 

Whereas, Louise G. Hopkins is a larger-than-life figure known for her dedication and service in the communities of Hampton County. She is one of twelve children of Rosa and Charlie Garvin Sr. and was the first in her family to graduate from college, earning a bachelor's degree in biology from Benedict College, alongside other associate degrees and certificates; and

 

Whereas, Ms. Hopkins's storied career includes a stint as disc jockey at WBHC-FM, where she used the handle "Brown Sugar," organizing the first Girl Scout troop for African American girls in Estill and serving as its leader for twenty years. She founded the Hampton District #2 Coalition for Recognition and Improvement, which honors individuals who have made major contributions to improve the lives of individuals and the community; and

 

Whereas, Ms. Hopkins is a firm believer that "the most important thing that we can do as people is give," and she lives her life accordingly. In 1981, she became the first African American woman elected to Hampton County Council, serving as vice-chair during her second and final term. As a lifelong member of Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, she chaired the church's Black History Month and Scholarship committees, and volunteered her services with the Estill Fall Festival, the Estill Beautification Committee, and the food pantry distribution center; and

 

Whereas, a mother of six, Ms. Hopkins has fostered more than one hundred fifty children over the years, instilling in each child a deep respect for family and service. She spent fourteen years as director of the Head Start Center, with five years as assistant director of PATHS. Her career also includes work with the South Carolina Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services as a prevention specialist, and the Department of Social Services in Beaufort and Hampton counties. Her crown jewel was to own and operate Purple Plum Child Development Center; and

 

Whereas, a fierce advocate for civil and human rights, Ms. Hopkins participated in marches and demonstrations and organized voter registration drives. She is the recipient of the Arnold Fields Community Endowment Lifetime Achievement Award, the HIV Prevention Education Award and was recognized by the South Carolina House of Representatives for her outstanding commitment and service to her community; and

 

Whereas, it would be only fitting and proper to pay tribute to this daughter of South Carolina by naming a portion of road in the State in his honor.  Now, therefore,

 

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

 

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, request that the Department of Transportation name the section of South Carolina Highway 321 in Estill from the southern town limit boundary to the northern town limit boundary in Hampton County "Louise G. Hopkins Highway" and erect appropriate markers or signs at the location containing the designation.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Department of Transportation.

----XX---