Local “Trailblazing Women” honored
From left panel guests Dr. Cynthia Chambers, Jennifer Heusel, Dr. Cameo Green, and Dawn Dawson House.
By Samantha Lyles, Staff Writer, slyles@newsandpress.net
The South Carolina African American Heritage Commission honored several local women of distinction last weekend for their trailblazing work in the fields of education, business, and government.
Jannie Harriott, vice chair of the South Carolina African American Heritage Commission, welcomed honorees and their guests to the Black Creek Arts Gallery for the Sunday, March 12 event. Harriott said the ceremony intended “to honor women who have made significant contributions to our country, to our state, and to our community.”
The following women were recognized and presented with commemorative books and certificates:
Gloria Cheeseboro Hines is the first African American and first female Mayor of the City of Darlington. Prior to her election in 2015, Hines also served 14 years as a City Council member.
Wilhelmina P. Johnson is a former public school educator and founder of the Darlington County Cultural Realism Center. Johnson served for 28 years as a member of Darlington County Council representing District #3 (Darlington).
Denny Woodall Neilson has served her community as a teacher and counselor, a Darlington City Council member from 1975 to 1983, and in the South Carolina House representing District 56 from 1984 until 2013. During her time as a State Representative, Neilson chaired the House Ethics Commission and served on the Ways and Means Committee and Rules Committee, as well as subcommittees dealing with economic development and higher education.
Gloria Bell is a Certified Public Accountant and the retired staff vice president of Internal Audit from Sonoco Products Company. Bell joined Sonoco in 1978 and worked there for over 30 years. She remains active in community service, volunteering with a variety of boards, commissions and causes to improve the lives of Hartsville residents.
Lovis Thomas is a former educator and wife of Hartsville’s legendary Coach T.B. Thomas. Mrs. Thomas has volunteered her time to help many local charities, commissions and boards, and for many years she coordinated the Hartsville Branch NAACP Freedom Fund event.
Also honored at the event but unable to attend were South Carolina House Representative and State Senator Maggie Wallace Glover, and Camden Mayor Alfred Mack Drakeford.
The event also featured a presentation by Victoria Smalls of the Penn Center, highlighting the works of African American women throughout South Carolina’s history, and a brief panel discussion with guests Dr. Cynthia Chambers, Jennifer Heusel, Dr. Cameo Green, and Dawn Dawson House.