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TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN GRADUATES OF THE CITADEL ON THE TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THEIR MILESTONE COMMENCEMENT.
Whereas, on May 11, 2002, history was written at The Citadel in Charleston as the first African American women joined generations of past and future leaders to proudly issue forth from South Carolina's premiere bastion of military education; and
Whereas, each February, in honor of Black History Month, one of the Corps of Cadets' military dress parades is dedicated to the legacy of the college's first African American graduate, Charles Foster. This year, that parade also celebrated the twentieth anniversary of the graduation of the first seven African American women; and
Whereas, among those honored by their alma mater and by The Citadel African American Alumni Association at the event on February 4, 2022, were Adrienne "AJ" (Watson) Crosby, Toshika "Peaches" Hudson-Cannon, Dr. Renee E. Hypolite, Natosha Mitchell Johnson, Jamey McCloud, Geneive (Hardney) Marshall, and Lesjanusar "Sha" Peterson; and
Whereas, these determined women, following in the original footsteps of Charles Foster, who first challenged hundreds of years of tradition with his graduation in 1970, and their first sister cadet, Nancy Mace, who graduated only three years prior in 1999, these seven women transcended one of the final remaining barriers with their graduation in 2002; and
Whereas, having been tremendous students and leaders prior to their graduation, they have only continued to show the strength of their character, their inner drive towards success, and unwavering dedication over the past twenty years as they have developed successful careers, fostered deep familial relationships, and have stepped up to serve on various boards and task forces; and
Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is pleased to have the opportunity to commend these seven outstanding graduates of The Citadel on the twentieth anniversary of their graduation, and recognize their many successes that have come as a result of their decision to pursue an education at The Citadel in Charleston. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor the first African American women graduates of The Citadel on the twentieth anniversary of their milestone commencement.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Adrienne "AJ" (Watson) Crosby, Toshika "Peaches" Hudson-Cannon, Dr. Renee E. Hypolite, Natosha Mitchell Johnson, Jamey McCloud, Geneive (Hardney) Marshall, and Lesjanusar "Sha" Peterson.
This web page was last updated on March 15, 2022 at 11:15 AM