A house RESOLUTION

 

to celebrate the life and accomplishments of mr. louis l. smith, a community leader and social activist whose works have made a profound difference in the lives of so many in his summerville Hometown.

 

Whereas, Mr. Louis L. Smith knew at an early age that he wanted to spend his life helping others. Born November 9, 1951, in Summerville, he discovered his desire to become a social activist at the tender age of 12 and has spent the great majority of his life fighting against social injustice; and

 

Whereas, as a youth, Smith took every opportunity to engage in activities that had an impact on his community. His passion for people led him to join a number of nationally known organizations with widespread influence. They included the Young Worker's Liberation League, Pan Africanism, and the Black Panther Party; and

 

Whereas, Smith left Summerville to pursue his education at the University of Maine where he earned degrees in history, English, and theoretical communication. Returning home, he turned his focus to activities that would make an impactful difference in policies, people, poverty, and minority student education. The solution he felt would be to create a place in the community that would serve as a hub for resources; and

 

Whereas, the Community Resource Center opened in 2013 with Smith as its executive director. The center is used to connect residents with the resources they need helping to decrease poverty rates, fight hunger, and provide wraparound services for youth and their families. The facility has been used as centers for learning resources, nutrition and healthcare, and as a warm place for the homeless and veterans. Its foodbank has fed thousands as Smith and countless volunteers work tirelessly to change lives every day. To reach even more people, Smith has opened Community Resource Center locations through the Lowcountry, that includes a site in North Charleston; and

 

Whereas, the Covid-19 pandemic presented its own challenges for the center that weathered the storm in grand fashion. With the help of community partners and leaders, 4 million pounds of groceries, 300,000 diapers, wipes, and baby supplies, and 2.5 million hygiene kits were distributed. A summer enrichment program piloted by Smith across three locations was attended by more than one hundred twenty students; and

 

Whereas, a proud father of three and a grandfather of seven, Smith, a leader and community activist has found his purpose in life. With the support of a community he holds dear to his heart, the Lowcountry will continue to be uplifted one resource and one person at a time. With this kind of dedication and passion, it is only right that the South Carolina House of Representatives pause in its deliberations to pay homage to Louis L. Smith for his life's work. Now therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, celebrate the life and accomplishment of Mr. Louise L. Smith, a community leader and social activist whose works have made a profound difference in the lives of so many in his Summerville hometown.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Mr. Louis L. Smith.

----XX----