COMMITTEE REPORT
April 19, 2022
H. 5052
S. Printed 4/19/22--H.
Read the first time March 1, 2022.
To whom was referred a Concurrent Resolution (H. 5052) to request the Department of Transportation name the intersection located at the junction of Washington Lane and Martin Avenue in the Town of Estill in Hampton County "Louise G. Hopkins intersection, etc., respectfully
That they have duly and carefully considered the same and recommend that the same do pass:
DENNIS C. MOSS for Committee.
TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE INTERSECTION LOCATED AT THE JUNCTION OF WASHINGTON LANE AND MARTIN AVENUE IN THE TOWN OF ESTILL IN HAMPTON COUNTY "LOUISE G. HOPKINS INTERSECTION" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS AT THIS INTERSECTION CONTAINING THESE WORDS.
Whereas, Louise G. Hopkins is a larger-than-life figure known for her dedication and service in the communities of Hampton County; and
Whereas, one of twelve children of Rosa and Charlie Garvin, Sr., Ms. Hopkins was the first in her family to graduate from college, earning a bachelor's degree in biology from Benedict College in Columbia, with additional associate degrees and certificates earned along the way; and
Whereas, her storied career includes a stint as disc jockey at WBHC-FM, where she used the handle "Brown Sugar", organizing the first Girl Scout troop for African American girls in Estill and serving as its leader for some 20 years, and founding the Hampton District #2 Coalition for Recognition and Improvement, which honors individuals who have made major contributions to improve the lives of individuals and the community; and
Whereas, a firm believer that "the most important thing that we can do as people is give," Ms. Hopkins lives her life accordingly. In 1981, she became the first African American woman elected to Hampton County Council, serving as vice chair during her second and final term. A lifelong member of Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, she chaired the church's Black History Month and Scholarship committees, and volunteered her services with the Estill Fall Festival, the Estill Beautification Committee, and the food pantry distribution center; and
Whereas, a mother of six, Ms. Hopkins has fostered more than one hundred fifty children over the years, instilling in each a deep respect for family and service. She spent fourteen years as director of the Head Start Center, with five years as assistant director of PATHS. Her career also includes work with the South Carolina Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services as a prevention specialist, and the Department of Social Services in Beaufort and Hampton counties. Her crown jewel was to own and operate Purple Plum Child Development Center; and
Whereas, a fierce advocate for civil and human rights, Ms. Hopkins participated in marches and demonstrations and organized voter registration drives. She is the recipient of the Arnold Fields Community Endowment Lifetime Achievement Award, the HIV Prevention Education Award and was recognized by the South Carolina House of Representatives for her outstanding commitment and service to her community; and
Whereas, it would be fitting and proper to acknowledge the great works performed by Louise G. Hopkins by naming a portion of highway in Hampton County in her honor. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
That the members of the General Assembly request the Department of Transportation name the intersection located at the junction of Washington Lane and Martin Avenue in the Town of Estill in Hampton County "Louise G. Hopkins Intersection" and erect appropriate markers or signs at this intersection containing these words.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Department of Transportation.