A house RESOLUTION

 

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR COLUMBIA NATIVE THE LATE BRIAN DEQUINCEY NEWMAN FOR HIS DEDICATED COMMUNITY SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE OF SOUTH CAROLINA AND TO CELEBRATE HIS DISTINGUISHED CAREER.

 

Whereas, it is with great pleasure that the South Carolina House of Representatives recognizes those individuals who give tirelessly of themselves to the welfare of this great state's citizenry. A man who spent his life serving others, the late Brian DeQuincey Newman, a native of Columbia, exemplified such South Carolinians; and

 

Whereas, Brian DeQuincey Newman was recognized early on as a promising young man. As a student at Spring Valley High School, he was praised by his principal as a "total package" when he graduated in 2001. At Morehouse College, the young Brian continued his outstanding work as a student, graduating from Morehouse cum laude in May 2005; and

 

Whereas, in further pursuit of higher education, he attended the University of South Carolina School of Law and received his Juris Doctor in 2008. He passed the South Carolina Bar that same year; and

 

Whereas, Brian DeQuincey Newman began his legal career prosecuting cases in the Fifth Circuit Solicitor's Office in Columbia. Continuing his zeal for justice, he worked for Rikard and Protopapas, LLC, and then entered private practice; and

 

Whereas, in 2010, Brian was elected to Columbia City Council, thus becoming the youngest person ever elected to serve on that body. On occasion, he served as mayor pro tempore, championing many City of Columbia committees and projects, including a city-county partnership that introduced the COMET bus system and the Edgewood and Bull Street developments; and

 

Whereas, in addition, this man of faith was a charter member of I. DeQuincey Newman United Methodist Church, founded by his great-uncle, the late Reverend Dr. I. DeQuincey Newman, who also served as a South Carolina state senator; and

 

Whereas, always mindful of the noble legacy of his family and his own call to service, Brian continued his race toward excellence in Atlanta, Georgia, and beyond, working with local and national leaders; and

 

Whereas, the members of the House of Representatives recognize that the success of the State of South Carolina, the strength of its communities, and the vitality of American society as a whole depend, in great measure, upon the dedication of individuals like Brian DeQuincey Newman who use their talents and resources to serve others. Gratefully, the House acknowledges Brian DeQuincey Newman's invaluable and far-reaching contributions to the betterment of the Palmetto 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 and honor Columbia native the late Brian DeQuincey Newman for his dedicated community service to the people of South Carolina and celebrate his distinguished career.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Brian DeQuincey Newman.

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