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TO CONGRATULATE FRANK B. WASHINGTON OF RICHLAND COUNTY ON THE OCCASION OF HIS NINETIETH BIRTHDAY AND TO WISH HIM MUCH HAPPINESS IN THE DAYS AHEAD.
Whereas, on September 1, 2019, Frank B. Washington of Richland County awakened to a special day of rejoicing with family and friends, a gathering to celebrate his milestone ninetieth birthday; and
Whereas, born September 5, 1929, in Estill, Frank and his family moved to Columbia when he was nine months old. After graduation from Booker T. Washington High School, he earned a degree in psychology from Allen University in 1949, followed by graduate studies at South Carolina State University, Catholic University in Washington, D.C., and Bradley University in Illinois; and
Whereas, his professional career began in 1951 at the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE). In his first post, Frank served as a speech therapist, covering the entire State for nineteen years. He next served as a state supervisor, in which capacity he oversaw implementation and adherence to Federal Title mandates funded through the U.S. Department of Education. His last assignment was as the audit section's chief supervisor. Frank was the first African American to serve as an administrator at the SCDE. After a very distinguished thirty-five years of service, he retired in June 1986; and
Whereas, upon graduating from college, he declined to join the majority of his classmates in leaving his home State for more racially tolerant cities. Rather, he wanted to make changes in his own State. In 1970, Frank was elected president of the NAACP's Columbia chapter, and he held this title for sixteen years. He was also vice president of the South Carolina NAACP for eight years, as well as a member of the NAACP National Board of Directors for four years. Under his leadership, the NAACP was in the forefront of the civil rights movement; and
Whereas, in addition, Frank was involved in the court decisions that reapportioned the South Carolina House of Representatives and Senate, which led to the election of the state's first three black House members since Reconstruction. He also participated in a lawsuit that brought to the forefront the issue of equity and fairness in the way the City of Columbia elected its council members. He wanted the city to adopt single-member voting districts, which would allow the city's large black population to be adequately represented in elected office. The plan was responsible for the election of two black members to Columbia City Council; and
Whereas, believing strongly in active participation in the community and beyond, Frank formerly served with numerous organizations over the years, among them the South Carolina Insurance Commission (chair), Voorhees College Board of Trustees (vice chair), Lexington/Richland Drug Abuse Commission, and Midlands Mental Retardation Center (president, foster grandparents). For his dedicated service, he received various honors, including the March of Dimes African-American Achievement Award (2004, the Washington family) and induction into the Columbia Housing Authority Wall of Fame (2006); and
Whereas, although the risk to his family and his own potential career advancement was very real in the turbulent era of the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, he remained a humble servant to his fellow citizens, a trailblazer in South Carolina, not only for the African-American community but also for the State Department of Education; and
Whereas, it is a great pleasure to recognize this son of South Carolina on the recent celebration of his ninetieth birthday and to join with his family and friends in congratulating him on reaching this important life milestone. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, congratulate Frank B. Washington of Richland County on the occasion of his ninetieth birthday and wish him much happiness in the years ahead.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Frank B. Washington.
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