2003-2004 Bill 4531: Strom Thurmond Monument on State House Grounds, Inclusion of Bessie

South Carolina General Assembly

115th Session, 2003-2004

H. 4531

STATUS INFORMATION

Joint Resolution

Sponsors: Reps. J.Brown, Breeland, CobbHunter, Weeks, Govan, Allen, G.Brown, R.Brown, Clyburn, Gourdine, J.Hines, Hosey, Kennedy, Lee, Lloyd, Mack, MoodyLawrence, Parks, Rutherford, Scott, F.N.Smith and Sheheen

Document Path: l:\council\bills\ms\7059mm04.doc

Companion/Similar bill(s): 816

Introduced in the House on January 14, 2004

Currently residing in the House Committee on Judiciary

Summary: Strom Thurmond monument on State House grounds, inclusion of Bessie Mae Washington-Williams among names of children

HISTORY OF LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS

Date Body Action Description with journal page number

1/14/2004 House Introduced and read first time HJ7

1/14/2004 House Referred to Committee on Judiciary HJ7

VERSIONS OF THIS BILL

1/14/2004

A JOINT RESOLUTION

TO DIRECT THE SOUTH CAROLINA STATE HOUSE COMMITTEE TO MODIFY THE MONUMENT ERECTED ON THE GROUNDS OF THE CAPITOL COMPLEX IN RECOGNITION OF THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE LATE STROM THURMOND, UNITED STATES SENATOR FROM THE PALMETTO STATE, SO AS TO INCLUDE THE NAME OF ESSIE MAE WASHINGTONWILLIAMS AMONG THE ENGRAVED NAMES OF HIS CHILDREN.

Whereas, the late Strom Thurmond, the longest serving United States Senator and the only Senator in history to be elected as a writein candidate, is a favorite son of the State of South Carolina; and

Whereas, the citizens of South Carolina have been active participants in his legendary and historical achievements and accomplishments for several successive generations; and

Whereas, even in his death, the State of South Carolina continues to be caught up in his memorable life as Essie Mae WashingtonWilliams, his acknowledged biracial daughter, claims her rightful heritage with grace and dignity; and

Whereas, her proclamation serves to acknowledge for her four children the meaning and place of their lives in history; and

Whereas, her very human story also serves to grant the citizens of the Palmetto State the opportunity to share in the humanity, as well as the history, of one of their most cherished characters. Now, therefore,

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION 1. The South Carolina State House Committee, charged with the responsibility of reviewing and approving all alterations or renovations of the State House or its grounds, pursuant to Section 10140, and as successor in interest to the Strom Thurmond Monument Commission for purposes of proper maintenance of the historical monument, pursuant to Act 159 of 1997, is hereby directed to modify the monument erected on the grounds of the Capitol Complex in recognition of the accomplishments of the late Strom Thurmond, United States Senator from the Palmetto State, so as to include the name of Essie Mae WashingtonWilliams among the engraved names of his children.

SECTION 2. This joint resolution takes effect upon approval by the Governor and must be implemented before July 1, 2004.

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