A house RESOLUTION

 

to recognize the accomplishments of James Gallman Sr., a community leader, social activist, and fighter for injustice whose works have made a profound difference in the lives of many in his community and abroad.

 

Whereas, Mr. James Gallman Sr., a native of Aiken, is a 1959 graduate of Martha Schofield High School. He pursued his passion for math by receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Claflin College in 1963. In 1967, he became the first Black to earn a master's degree in mathematics from the University of Tennessee; and

 

Whereas, his professional career includes serving 33 years in the Aiken County Public School District, which include teaching high school mathematics, coaching, becoming assistant principal, principal, and then as an assistant superintendent before retiring in 1996. He then served seven years as director of the Aiken/Barnwell Regional Head Start Program, retiring in October 2003; and

 

Whereas, Mr. Gallman's passion to right the wrongs of injustice started on the campus of Claflin College and is actively serving in community, state, and national organizations. He is a past president of the South Carolina State Conference of the NAACP and former president of the local Aiken County Branch of the NAACP. Mr. Gallman is a Silver Life Member, Golden Heritage Life Member and a Diamond Life Member of the NAACP. He also held multiple positions in organizations such as Head Start Association and Red Cross of Aiken; and

 

Whereas, his years on the battlefield as a civil rights activist include many battles, skirmishes, and incidents locally, statewide and nationally. Notably, in September 1989, Mr. Gallman, along with other activists, were refused service at the Buffalo Room restaurant in North Augusta, South Carolina. This resulted in a discrimination lawsuit and eventual closure of the restaurant; and

 

Whereas, in January 2000, Mr. Gallman, as South Carolina State NAACP President, led the march of 46,000 people to call for the removal of the Confederate flag from atop the South Carolina State house dome. He led the economic boycott efforts that affected South Carolina tourism, sports, and entertainment industries. The NAACP did not hold its conventions in South Carolina during that time. He received criticism and faced resistance. The Confederate flag was moved from the State house dome to the Confederate Monument flagpole on the grounds. In July 2015, the Confederate flag was removed and placed in a museum, where it is currently kept. His courage and persistence created a catalyst for change; and

 

Whereas, Mr. Gallman is a longtime member of Friendship Baptist Church where he currently serves on the Trustee Board. Mr. James Gallman is married to the former Betty McDaniel and together they raised four children, Karl Stanley Rouse, James Gallman Jr., Shameika Schreier, and Nikia Phoenix; and

 

Whereas, the House of Representatives takes great pleasure in recognizing the leadership and civil rights work of James Gallman Sr. and his dedication to his community and state.  Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize the accomplishments of James Gallman Sr., a community leader, social activist, and fighter for injustice whose works have made a profound difference in the lives of many in his community and abroad.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Mr. James Gallman Sr.

----XX----