Columbia Urban League Recognizes 1,800-plus Students at Brookland Baptist Church Event

Nearly 2,000 high-achieving high school seniors from across the Midlands were celebrated Sunday afternoon as the Columbia Urban League (Columbia, SC) marked a major milestone, both for students and for Black history.

More than 1,800 students were recognized during the organization’s 40th Annual “Young and Gifted” Black History Month Program, held at Brookland Baptist Church. Family members, friends, educators and community leaders filled the sanctuary, cheering as honorees were acknowledged for their excellence.

Students were recognized for achievements in academics, athletics, the arts, leadership and a range of extracurricular activities. Organizers say the program remains the largest recognition of African-American student achievement in South Carolina.

This year’s event also carried added significance, commemorating 100 years of Black history while spotlighting the next generation of leaders.

“Our young people are our future. They need to know that we appreciate what they’re doing,” said James T. McLawhorn, Jr., President and CEO of the Columbia Urban League.

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