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The two newest faces on Columbia’s wall of inspiration have worked to better the community’s health, boost the area’s education level, and improve the outlook of the area’s youths.
Regina Hampton Brown and Harriet McMillan Perkins became the latest members of the Columbia Housing Authority’s Wall of Fame during annual recognition ceremonies Friday as more than 200 people gathered at the Drew Wellness Center gym to pay tribute.
The Wall of Fame honors former residents of public or Section 8 housing who have achieved success in their chosen career fields and have given back to their community.
“It’s an honor,” Brown said after Friday’s induction ceremonies. “I look at all the folks that are on the wall, and I think about all the contributions they have made in the community. Now, I’m a part of that same group that is making those contributions.”
Brown and Perkins join the more than 40 others whose names have been added to the Read Street wall since it was erected in 1988. That list includes educators, political leaders, business professionals, national entertainers, professional athletes, church leaders and civil servants.
“We are so proud to recognize these two for their commitment to helping others and improving their communities,” CHA executive director Gilbert Walker said. “Like all of our honorees, these women prove that a humble childhood can lead to an admirable and fulfilling adulthood of professional and civic success.”
Brown lived in Latimer Manor from 1973 to 1983 and St. Andrews Terrace from 1984 to 1986. She is a public relations coordinator for the Palmetto Health hospital system. She serves on the boards of the Respite House adult-care facility, as well as KOBAN Columbia, a nonprofit that partners with the Police Department and the Housing Authority to improve the community.
Brown is a member of the Five Points Rotary Club and the Richland 1 Community Coalition. She was a guardian ad litem for Richland County from 1994 to 1998 and served on the board of the AIDS Benefit of South Carolina.
Perkins lived in Allen Benedict Court from 1950 to 1966. She is noted for her 30 years of community service through her personal commitment to educating youths.
Perkins graduated from C.A. Johnson High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from Benedict College. She is a member of First Calvary Baptist Church, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc., The Diabetes Advisory Committee of Palmetto Health, and Eva P. Trezvant Community Club.
The Columbia Housing Authority is the third-oldest housing authority in the nation. The agency manages more than 2,000 conventional public housing units and administers more than 3,100 rental assistance contracts throughout Richland County.
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