crc inc. founder's corner

Director's Corner. Greetings and salutations from the desk of Executive Director, Mrs. Wilhelmina P. Johnson (below). This is the third in a series of publications called the Director's Corner highlighting our programs, activites, and events of 2010' while we look forward to the upcoming new year with optimism.

Mrs. Wilhelmina P. Johnson

Executive Director - CRC INC.

Celebrating 39-years. The 2012' year began with noting a major milestone in our organization's history. For 39-years, the Darlington County Cultural Realism, Inc. has provided services to our community, our city, our county, our state, and our beloved country. CRC INC. began with the mandate to unearth the contributions of African-Americans within our county during our country's 1976' Bicentennial Celebration. As a member of the Darlington County's Bicentennial Committee on Ethnic Participation, I was nearly mortified when committee members stated they had "nothing which to celebrate". To my dismay, this untruth could not continue unimpeded. In response, CRC INC. was created in January 1, 1973. Since its inception, one of our CORE Beliefs is "Historical Documentation and Preservation". In previous editions, this section was primarily reserved for highlighting Historical African-American Achievements native to Darlington County. However, due to the numerous anniversary dates native to 2010' the airing of local achievements will have to be set aside for a year with exception of one major historical event that has all been lost to time and memory except to the children, and their parents, that suffered through those brief but agonizing moments in March 1970'. The following is provided:

Lamar Busing Riot 40th Anniversary. March 3, 2010 marked the 40th Anniversary of the Lamar Busing Riot. An event incited by anti-desegregationist bent on ensuring segregation would be maintained by defying the 1954' Supreme Court Order outlawing segregation under Brown v. Board of Education. An event that happened 16-years after this major ruling and over 20-years after its lead case, S.C's Briggs v. Elliott, began the requiem for segregation. Lamar, located in eastern S.C., whose major industry was agrarian-based with a citizenry of nearly 2,000. Today, the town has one major stop light and a pleasant decor that seeks to veil the events of that day in this unlikely of places. Darlington County, which Lamar, S.C. resides, has a rich and illustrious history being part of the 19th Century Cheraw District of our state. A district that saw the first-etchings of the Declaration of Independence, Civil War Skirmashes, Reconstruction-era Political Assassinations, as well as Mary Mcleod Bethune - Founder, Bethune-Cookman College and Advisor to U.S. Presidents. Therefore, this Civil Rights Incident was not an unlikely event, just an inevitable and continuation, of African-American's long and arduous struggle for equal rights for full citizenry under the law as duly noted by the Constitution. Ninety-eight students from the all-black Spaulding High School were court-ordered to be bused to the all-white Lamar High School as part of the county's school integration plan. As the buses approached their destiny, each was set-upon by an angry crowd of white citizens wielding ax handles, chains, and bricks. After breeching the Highway Patrol Barrier, the mob began to overturn the buses. Luckily, all the students escaped with only minor cuts and scrapes. Though the physical scars healed many years ago, the psychological trauma still remains. From a county and community standpoint, there is not an anniversary event or marker to commenmorate this day to begin the healing process.

The March on Washington 47th Anniversary. August 28, 2010 marked the 47th Anniversary of the March on Washington. An event that began 25-years earlier conceived by the venrable A. P. Randolph. A momentous event that saw hundreds of thousands of americans from all walks of life - black, white, male, female, rich, poor, - gathered to petition America to live up to what it had etched on paper nearly 200-years ago. This event culminated with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Famous, "I have a dream speech". A speech that continues to resonate with all americans to this very day. Ironically, Conservative Talk Show Host Glenn Beck and Tea Party followers sought to protest the Obama Administration on its dismal performance on the very steps where Dr. King some 47-years ago petitioned the powers to be to expedite full citizenship and freedom for the negro. A french writer once wrote, A nation cannot be considered strong without possessing within its soul antithesis strongly marked [opposites in balance]. Could the present administration endure the pressing of the right to endure painful dialogue and acceptance and could the right restrain its followers from vitriol rhetoric and violence before sitting at the table of goodwill to find common-ground for our nation? For not to do so, as Dr. King sought to admonish the negro 47-years ago in his famous speech, "But there is something that I must say to my people who stand on the warm threshold which lead into the palace of justice. In the process of gaining our rightful place, we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds". Likewise, we the citizens of America must continue to be the stewards of our political process and elected officials. For they are only as responsible as "we the people" hold them accountable in their role as public servants. For if we were to fail in our role as stewards of this democracy, we will forfeit to future generations of Americans a nightmare of unprecedented darkness that Dr. King forewarned us all. Get involved, let us listen to one another, and re-seat Jesus Christ at the table!!!!

John F. Kennedy's Presidentional Election 50th Anniversary. September 27, 2010 marked the 50th Anniversary of John F. Kennedy's Presidential Election. The 1,000 Day Presidency was marked by tumultous generational change with civil unrest due to the Civil Rights Movement and international events such as the Bay of Pigs Fiasco, and the Cuban Missile Crisis. On January 20, 1961, his inaugural speech stated, "Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival of liberty" which many americans have endeared themselves with over the years. However, few americans remember or know that President Kennedy was the first president in our nation's history to call segregation immoral! His profound announcement came on the eve of the assassination of Mississippi Civil Rights Leader Medgar Evers. He stated in a fourteen minute national broadcast. One hundred years of delay have passed since President Lincoln freed the slaves, yet their heirs, their grandsons, are not fully free. They are not yet freed from the bonds of injustice; they are not freed from social and economic oppresson. And this nation, for all its hopes and all its boasts, will not be fully free until all its citizens are free... Continued on next page.

John F. Kennedy's Presidentional Election 50th Anniversary (continued). And we cherish our freedom here at home. We preach freedom around the world, and we mean it.. But are we to say to the World - and much more importantly to each other - that this is the land of the free, except for the negro. We therefore face a moral crisis as a country and as a people. It cannot be met by repressive police action. It is time to act in congress...and local legislative bodies, and above all, in our daily lives. Those who do nothing are inviting shame as well as violence. Those who act boldly are recognizing right as well as reality..." Our friend John, we thank you for your courage and example.

Montgomery Bus Boycott 55th Anniversary. December 10, 2010 marked the 55th Anniversary of the Montgomery Bus Boycott which began with Mrs. Rosa Parks refusal to move to the back of a segregated Alabama Bus. Her defiance of Jim Crow launched a movement that continues to change the world. What spurred this supposedly solitary and spontaneous act of rebellion? According to popular myth and many text books, her tired feet kicked off the Civil Rights Movement. Few, if any in our community, are aware Rosa Parks began her career in the 1930s as a militant activist, not a silent witness, around issues of interracial sexual violence. During the intervening years before the boycott, she founded the "Committee for Equal Justice for Mrs. Recy Taylor", a black mother and sharecropper, sexually assaulted by a carload of white men. This organization would later become known as the Montgomery Improvement Association central to the bus boycott elevating Dr. King and non-violent direct action to worldwide fame.

Sarah Mae Flemming

On the 55th Anniversary of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, perhaps we can finally end the myth of Parks as a simple seamstress whose tired feet made her tiptoe into history. Instead, we should honor her as a radical activist, whose work on behalf of victims of racial brutality and sexual violence, helped lay the foundation for not only the bus boycott, but also the modern civil rights movenment. (Excerpts from article - Rosa Parks' Journey didn't begin on the bus, by Danielle L. McGuire). Before Rosa Parks, there was SC's own Sarah Mae Flemming.

S.C. Secession from the Union Sesquicentennial Anniversary. December 20, 2010 marked the 150th Anniversary of S.C.'s secession from the union, thus, beginning the Civil War. During the years leading up to secession, Frederick Douglass would often speak at the nation's 4th of July Celebration. When asked what this date meant to his people he bitterly responds, "What, to the American slave, is your 4th of July? I answer; a day that reveals to him, more than all other days in the year, the gross injustice and cruelty to which he is the constant victim. To him, your celebration is a sham; your boasted liberty, an unholy license; your national greatness, swelling vanity; your sounds of rejoicing are empty and heartless; your denunciation of tyrants, brass fronted impudence; your shouts of liberty and equality, hollow mockery; your prayers and hymns, your sermons and thanksgivings, with all your religious parade and solemnity, are, to Him, mere bombast, fraud, deception, impiety, and hypocrisy - a thin veil to cover up crimes which would disgrace a nation of savages". SC's secession seemingly imbued the weary abolitonist with renewed but reserved hope knowing that such actions are not maintained by words only but by force of action. Read David Blight - NY Times article - on Douglass' and SC's secession, Disunion: Cup of Wrath and Fire. and Margaret Kimberley's Article, Celebrating Secession.

2010 Annual Darlington County Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Celebration. On January 18, 2010, the 24th Annual Darlington County Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Celebration was held at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, Darlington, S.C. Scriptural Reference: Joshua 4: 6 -7 and Sermon Topic: What do these stones mean? The 12 stones, taken from the midst of the jordan river, were to be a visible sign and reminder of God's demonstrative power, His mercy, as well as a teaching point when asked by future generations of their meaning. The erected 12 stones symbolized israel's political and spiritual unity under God, departure from the old life - from egypt - with a monument being placed in the midst of the jordan river, to a new life - in the promised land - with a second monument being erected at gigal. Gigal held the distinction of the place where all required israelite males were circumcised symbolizing the rolling back of the 40-year reproach while in the wilderness. Jesus Christ - the honored Cornerstone and Passover Lamb - is the New Testaments' Symbol of the momuments in the jordan river and gigal in rolling back man's reproach on Calvary by conquering man's formidable foes - sin, death, the grave, and fallen powers. And in doing so, He provides a promised land to all believers in the present and future. Similarly, the erected 12 stones bear witness in the history of african-americans as found with the jewish nation. God is honored when we honor His Son, Jesus Christ. Secondly, we honor Him when we reflect upon, remember, and celebrate our history by incessantly reminding (by speaking to) our children that God is not passive but active in history, with the help of God-fearing men and women, co-laboring with him, PMJ. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Teaching Point: Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter. See Walter Fields' article - Reclaiming King: Restoring Holiday's Meaning.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

January 15, 1929 - April 4, 1968.

After-school Program for Children. During the 2009-2010 Fall and Spring Semesters, CRC INC. hosted the Fundamentals Free Tutoring Program. As a former Educator with over 40-years experience as a Home Economist in the Darlington County School District, I am willing to support programs that have a desire and enthusiasm in helping our children. As the old saying goes, "It takes a community to raise a child". Let's get involved in our children's lives. For our children are the future of our country!!!

Young minds eager to learn.

Sister-to-Sister Monthly Ministry. Pastor Shirley Graham, at left with Husband, Elder Macks Graham, has for six years shepherded a monthly ministry for women of all ethnicity with the insightful and inspired Word of God to empower themselves for the Kingdom Ministry, their Community, and their Families. Sister-to-Sister Monthly Ministry meets the first Saturday of each month from 10 am - 12 pm, at our Family Center - 302 Pearl Street, Darlington, S.C. The Lord welcomes you here!!!! For more information, contact Pastor Shirley Graham at the following:

Sister-to-Sister Ministry

397 W. Broad Street

Darlington, S.C. 29532

(843) 395-5939 (H)

(803) 427-1975 (C)

King and Queen of Hearts - 2010 Vision Baby of the Year - Heart Celebration. On the evening of March 13, 2010, CRC INC. held its 10th Annual King and Queen of Hearts Pageant. Congratulations to all whom participated because you're all Kings and Queens!!!!!

Three tornadoes touched down in Darlington County. On the evening of April 25, 2010, three tornadoes touched down in Darlington, S.C. uprooting trees and houses from their foundations, damaging property totaling $7 Million Dollars, and over $1 Million Dollars in debris removal cost. As local citizens came together to help one another, conversations yielded there was nothing that could've been done in wake of the tornadoes nor its after effects!!!! However, preparations can be made to lessen the effects of such an event in the future. Click on the ready.gov emblem at right for more information.

John Kelly, Sr. Memorial Day Scholarship Weekend. During the Memorial Day Weekend, the family of late John Kelly, Sr. convened their annual Memorial Scholarship Fund in Darlington, S.C. Local weekend events consist of a cookout at our Family Center on Friday Afternoon where food, fellowship, and song are in keeping with the event. Saturday's event convened at the Kelly Family Church, New Providence Baptist Church, located on Mechanicsville Highway for the Scholarship Fundraiser and Program. The late John Kelly, Sr. Memorial Scholarship began in 1985 in memory of the late Deacon John Kelly by his Children and wife, Mrs. Lizzie D. Kelly. For more information on the John Kelly, Sr. Memorial Scholarship Fund, click here.

Memorial - Veterans Day Observances. In honor of all veterans and their service in our nations' wars and peace time operations, we are highlighting a local Vietnam Veteran whom happened to serve under the first African-American Officer, Captain Riley L. Pitts, to receive the Medal of Honor, posthumously. James Jacobs served in Vietnam under Captain Pitts in the 25th Infantry Division's - C. Co. 2/27 Infantry Battalion's famed "Wolfhounds" in October 1967. James fondly remembers exiting the helicopter on the LZ on that fateful day and witnessing several vietcong running toward the tree line. Subsequently, alerting CPT. Pitts of their presence, both proceeded to fire upon the enemy's location. On his very first day of major combat, James was baptized as a rifle infantryman as part of a battalion-level operation in Ap Dong, Republic of Vietnam. During this operation, C. Co. was met with heavy vietcong resistance, exacting a heavy toll, with intense fighting lasting the entire day in which CPT. Pitts would later die. Two-weeks later, November 15, 1967, James' entire squad was killed in combat. He being the only survivor. During his year-long tour, James was promoted to Sergeant and elevated to 2nd Platoon's 2nd Squad Leader. He speaks of surviving many booby traps and ambushes because he often walked point, attesting to his skill in the bush, and being a survivor of the 1968 Tet Offensive. At 63, and wearing his trusted Bronze Star Hat (below), James speaks very fondly of CPT. Pitts. His leadership skills - always out front leading the charge - as an U.S. Army Officer, but also as an African-American, occupying a position of leadership never seen in segregated South Carolina from which he is from, as well as, the many personnel lost during his tour in Vietnam. Lastly, in the words of George Washington, "A nation that does not care for its soldiers will cease to exist as a nation". Thanks James for your service.

U.S. Army Veteran James Jacobs.

CPT. Riley L. Pitts & MOH

Oct. 15, 1937 - Oct. 31, 1967.

Save The Children Program. "Committed to the Dream - Save the Children" was the title of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Celebration held on January 17, 2005. The many ills facing our children in today's society can no longer be addressed simply by a single entity but wholly by the community. The Darlington County "Save The Children" Program was created for addressing short-comings within our community's educational, theological, business, legal, and social institutions as well as a venue to encourage mentoring and entrepreneurship. The program's mantra "it takes a community to raise a child" incorporates a partnership with the whole community to ensure this program is a viable success. 2010' is a continuation of the plan that began on February 26, 2005.

Save the Children Adult and Teen-Age Participants -

chaired and sponsored by CRC INC. - January 2005

Empowerment Summer Dream Fest For Children. From June 1, 2010 - July 27, 2010, CRC INC. sponsored its Annual Empowerment Summer Dream Fest For Children. Theme - Education ABC Mission - To present classes and activities in remediation and enrichment reinforcing the S.C. Dept. of Education Curriculum Standards, Character Education, the Arts, and Life-Skills to children with challenging and positive emphasis on the development of the total child. As previous years, the annual summer fest for children was a huge success engaging the child and teenager in spirited activities, thought and education, presentation, and discipline.

A student reads her story to the class.

2010 Miss South Carolina Hal Jackson's International Talented Teen Finals. On June 12, 2010, the 33rd Annual Miss South Carolina Hal Jackson's International Talented Teen (SCHJITT) Finals was held at the Florence-Darlington Technical College, Florence, S.C. with Aisha Bellinger, of Estill, S.C. being crowned the winner. She would go onto represent S.C. during International Competition during the week of July 17-25, 2010 in Hamilton, Bermuda. Congratulations, Aisha on a job well done!!!!!

Follow-us on Facebook:

S.C. Talented Teen Community News Page:

2010 Miss S.C. Hal Jackson's

Talented Teen - Aisha Bellinger.

July 4th, 2010 Celebration. From July 2-5, 2010, CRC INC. celebrated the upcoming holiday with family and friends, musing over the fact, that freedom is not free, never has, and never will be. As the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stated, "Freedom is not willingly given by the oppressor but must be demanded by the oppressed", unquote. In keeping with this admonishment, America's Freedom came with a very steep price from our nation's military and civil rights soldiers throughout the centuries as our history can attest to.

Happy Birthday, America.

STROKEmobile Visit. On July 30, 2010, the STROKEmobile visited our Family Center for a day-long free evaluation for stroke and heart disease. The free test consisted of stroke assessment, blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, body mass index, and HIV Testing. Sadly, the STROKEmobile Program, under the auspices of CareSouth Carolina, has completed its contractual obligation. In the absence of the STROKEmobile Program, please familiarize yourself with the signs of a stroke and the many other abnormalities inherent in our area and contact your Primary Care Physician for consultation. A word of advice, an ounce of prevention goes a long way, get off the couch, and get moving!!!!

4th Annual Intergenerational Extravaganza. On August 28, 2010, CRC INC. held its 4th Annual Intergenerational Extravaganza (IGE). Theme - "Your Time Now - Save The Children - Save The World" Mission - To give 100% to the children as they change their focus from play to education for the 2010/2011 School Year. The community will help the children to cross the bridge of knowledge to success. This annual event was attended by leaders and laypeople, interested parties, educators, and teenagers beholding the teachings from leaders in their respected areas from physical fitness, to education, and community wellness. For more on the 4th IGE, click here.

Help yourself by helping others.

CRC INC. Annual Funding Drive. On August 19, 2010, we kicked off our annual funding drive. After a brief respite, we re-commenced and re-named our 2010 Funding Campaign as the $1 Funding Drive!!! Yes, $1 from you, each of your family members, and each of your many friends is all we ask for helping to preserve a national treasure in order for future generations. For more information, click here.

School of Hope Christmas Luncheon. On December 16, 2010, the School of Hope and CRC INC. sponsored "The Golden Years - Been There - Done That - But This ?" Christmas Luncheon at our Family Center to a well attended program for ending our year. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all and remember the true reason for the season - Jesus Christ.

Haiti Revisited. On January 12, 2010, the nation of Haiti experienced a magnitude 7.3 earthquake killing 230,000 people and left another 1.3 million homeless. Since that date, there have been many after-shocks, a cholera outbreak killing thousands, NGO-squabbling over the manufacturing rights of a peanut butter-based concoction that can eliminate hunger not only in Haiti but also in third-world countries, the deliberateness of international help and rebuilding, and the need to persist in helping to maintain a focus on this disaster as the world continues on its merry way while thousands continue to languish in tent cities. Please click on the provided tabs to find out what you can do to alleviate the suffering of Haiti's People as well as pray for their speedy recovery.

Financial Drive - Giving Back. CRC INC. during the past has sought donations from individuals, corporations, churches, and institutions to assist in alleviating our debt necessitated in providing both a presence and service to our surrounding community, city, county, and state. Please provide a generous donation, no amount is to small when given from the heart.

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Make your check payable to the "Darlington County Cultural Realism Complex, Inc."

Mail to: CRC INC. - P.O. Box 243, Darlington S.C. 29540

Check One:

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