Black History Makers 2023

                                                                                                               South Carolina History Makers

101.3 The Big DM and Healthy Blue: BlueChoice HealthPlan of S.C. are celebrating Black History Month by taking a look at some of our homegrown History Makers here in South Carolina. Their accomplishments are as diverse as we are and throughout the month of February, we’ll be showcasing local heroes who have contributed so much to our community and our country. African Americans who’ve made a difference in our lives and the lives of others. Healthy Blue: BlueChoice HealthPlan of S.C. presents South Carolina History Makers. Brought to you in part by Your Columbia Area McDonald’s Parklane, Elmwood, Decker, and Wilson BLVD  and 101.3 The Big DM

 

 

Big DM, South Carolina History Maker:

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The Honorable Charles F. Bolden Jr. – https://www.nasa.gov/feature/the-honorable-charles-f-bolden-jr 

First as a Marine Corps Major General and then as NASA Administrator, Charles F. Bolden Jr. has dedicated his life to the service of the United States, working to secure our nation’s security, prosperity, and guiding efforts to explore our universe and better understand our fragile planet.  In 2009, President Barack Obama appointed Bolden to be the 12th NASA Administrator, making him only the second astronaut to hold that position.  While heading NASA, Bolden oversaw the transition from the Space Shuttle system to a new era of exploration, fully focused on the International Space Station (ISS) and aeronautics technology development.
 
Bolden holds a Master of Science degree in systems management from the University of Southern California.  His past honors include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, three NASA Exceptional Service Medals and four NASA Space Flight Medals.  He received the Rotary National Space Trophy in 2014, the Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy in 2020 and holds Honorary Doctorate degrees from numerous institutions of higher education.  He was inducted into the U.S Astronaut Hall of Fame in 2006 and the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 2016. He served as a U.S. Department of State Science Envoy for Space from 2018-2019.
Currently Mr. Bolden is the founder and CEO of The Bolden Group. They provide singular and trustworthy expertise to cultivate and transform leadership in the areas of Space/Aerospace Exploration; National Security; Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math + Arts and Design (STEM+AD) Education, and Health Initiatives.
Big DM, South Carolina History Maker:
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Ms. Teresa Wilson – https://columbiasc.gov/city-manager/

City Manager Teresa Wilson is a proven leader in South Carolina’s capital city of Columbia. She actively works to address the needs of the community and is focused on public safety and economic development initiatives to enhance the quality of life. Wilson has received numerous professional accolades, including being named one of Columbia’s “Top 20 Under 40” Business Professionals, one of Columbia Business Monthly’s “50 Most Influential People”, and one of Southeast Small Business Magazine’s “Top Women of Influence”.
Big DM, South Carolina History Maker:
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Brig. Gen. Jason E. Kelly became the Army Training Center and Fort Jackson Commander on Aug. 31, 2022. He was previously the commanding general at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, South Atlantic Division, where he undertook projects for the military, protected national water resources, and restored/enhanced the environment. He has been decorated with various medals, including Legion of Merit, Bronze Star (three awards), the Meritorious Unit Award, and the Bronze Order of the de Fleury Medal. He has also been awarded the Silver Order of the de Fleury Medal.
Big DM, South Carolina History Maker:
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Dr. Linda Bell –  The state of South Carolina Epidemiologist – https://scafricanamerican.com/linda-bell/
Dr. Linda Bell is the state of South Carolina Epidemiologist and has a degree in Molecular Biology from the University of Texas at Austin and a medical degree from UT Southwestern at Dallas. After completing a training in internal medicine and an investigation of Lassa Fever in Nigeria as an EIS Officer, Dr. Bell changed her career path to public health. Since joining the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control in 1994, she has taken on several roles and has been a key figure in the COVID-19 pandemic to provide science-based public education and raise awareness of health disparities. Dr. Bell has been recognized by many organizations for her efforts.
 
Big DM, South Carolina History Maker:
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Nikky Finney –  John H. Bennett, Jr. Endowed Professor of Creative Writing and Southern Letters – Carolina Distinguished Professor at UofSC – https://sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/artsandsciences/english_language_and_literature/our_people/directory/finney_nikky.php
Nikky Finney was born in Conway, South Carolina and raised in Sumter. After living and studying in the south, she moved to Oakland, California but was invited in the early 1990’s to teach at the University of Kentucky. In 2013 she was appointed as John H. Bennett, Jr. Endowed Professor of Creative Writing and Southern Letters and Carolina Distinguished Professor at UofSC. Finney has authored five books of poetry, a book of short prose, and edited an anthology on African American poets writing about their southern connections. Her work focuses on African American history, the history of America, as well as topics in gender, sexuality, art, and social justice.
 
Big DM, South Carolina History Maker:
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Mike Colter is an actor who has gone from humble beginnings as mentee of Scott Blanks at Benedict College to both B.A. and MFA degrees at the University of South Carolina and Mason Gross School of the Arts, respectively. After much determination, he was able to land major roles such as his co-starring role on Spin City, Million Dollar Baby with Clint Eastwood and The 2005 revival of A Soldier’s Play. Currently, Mike is based in both New York and Los Angeles and continues to actively pursue film and television.
 
Big DM, South Carolina History Maker:
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Aubrey D. Jenkins – Fire Chief – https://colafire.net/department/fire-chief/
Aubrey D. Jenkins became Fire Chief of the Columbia Fire Department in July 2011, making him the first African American to be elected President of the South Carolina State Association of Fire Chiefs. He has achieved various qualifications and accomplishments from within the Department, most notably being the first class 1 ISO rating which is the highest rating for local fire protection. He has also been honored with several awards and honors, including Volunteer of the Year, the Columbia Urban League’s Lincoln C. Jenkins Jr. Award, and the Citizen of the Year Award.
 
Big DM, South Carolina History Maker:
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Armani Latimer – NFL Cheerleader – https://dallascowboyscheerleaders.com/our-team/armani/

Recently, Armani Latimer, an Anderson, SC native and University of South Carolina graduate, joined the Dallas Cowboys Cheer Team. Known to be the NFL’s most famous and highly coveted cheer squad, Latimer was selected as a rookie from 1,500 applicants who submitted audition tapes in a highly competitive and selective process. In college, she was a member of the Carolina Dance Team and of course many people know the Dallas Cowboys Cheer Team from the reality show based around it.

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