House recognizes USC Day, HBCU Day and offers tributes including remembrance for Reverend Jesse Jackson

The South Carolina House spent a portion of the floor session recognizing university delegations, student leaders and public servants, and offering condolences for recent losses.

Representative Rutherford led a recognition of University of South Carolina Day, asking President Amaris, trustees and student leaders to stand and praising USC’s academic and athletic accomplishments and upcoming events at the Pastides Alumni Center. Representative Long and others recognized delegations from USC Upstate and USC Lancaster and welcomed visiting students and faculty.

Representative Grant, speaking for the HBCU caucus, announced HBCU Day and asked members to welcome representatives from eight historically Black colleges and universities, listing Allen University, Benedict College, Claflin University, Clinton College, Denmark Technical College, Morris College, South Carolina State University and Voorhees University.

Representative Cobb Hunter offered condolences and a request for patience after a violent incident at South Carolina State University the prior Thursday, thanking local law enforcement (Chief Mark Hill, Sheriff Leroy Ravenel and Chief Charles Austin) and asking the chamber to keep grieving families and the campus community in their prayers. Representative Gilliard moved that the House adjourn in memory of Reverend Jesse Jackson and the body observed a moment of silence.

The recognitions highlighted higher‑education engagement during Carolina Day and HBCU Day and provided a public forum for members to offer condolences and praise for local institutions.