The Times and Democrat - Judge Matthew Perry joins Black College Hall of Fame

ATLANTA – South Carolina’s first African American federal district judge and South Carolina State University alumnus, the honorable Matthew J. Perry Jr., will be among 14 inducted this year into the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame.

“It is imperative that we shed a light on HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities). Judge Perry is a perfect example of the successes that our schools produce,” said Thomas W. Dortch Jr., chairman and president of the NBCA Hall of Fame Foundation Inc.

“HBCUs have been and continue to be the catalyst in which educators prepare students for the 21st Century workplace,” he said.

Perry was born into segregation not far from the federal courthouse in Columbia that now bears his name. He went on to become South Carolina’s preeminent civil rights attorney, which led to his appointment as the first African American federal judge from the Deep South and the first African American federal district judge in South Carolina.

In 1939, he began working part-time jobs to pay for his tuition at then-South Carolina State College. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and completed his education with a degree in business administration in 1948. He earned a law degree from S.C. State in 1951.

As a young civil rights lawyer, Perry was instrumental in achieving many successes for African Americans. He tried cases which led to the integration of beaches, parks, restaurants and public schools. His trial work led to the release of some 7,000 people arrested for sit-in protests.

In 1963, he won the case which forced Clemson University to admit black students. Perhaps his most significant case resulted in the reapportionment of the S.C. House of Representatives.

In 1975, he was appointed to the U.S. Military Court of Appeals. President Jimmy Carter named him federal district judge for South Carolina in 1979.

In 1994, President Bill Clinton signed Public Law #103-360, designating a yet-to-be constructed federal courthouse in Columbia in Perry’s honor. The $30.1 million Matthew J. Perry Federal Courthouse was dedicated in 2004. A biography – “Matthew J. Perry: The Man, His Times and His Legacy” – was published in 2004.

“Matthew Perry is a humble man who would never seek recognition for his extraordinary contributions to civil rights, the legal profession, South Carolina and our nation,” said Sixth District Congressman James E. Clyburn. “But, he’s definitely deserving of this honor and many more.”

Since 1985, the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Foundation Inc. has inducted 196 black college alumni into the NBCA Hall of Fame for contributions in the areas of arts/entertainment, athletics, business, industry, community service, education, faith/theology, government/law, medicine, science and lifetime achievement.

Honored for his contributions to the legal profession, Perry joins only two other S.C. State alumni inducted into the NBCA Hall of Fame: 2006 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Harry Carson, class of 1976 (1991, athletics) and Sixth District Congressman James E. Clyburn, class of 1961 (2005, government).

The 21st NBCA Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29 at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta. The Honorable Glenda Hatchett (“The Judge Hatchett Show”) and Hill Harper (“CSI: Miami”) will serve as mistress and master of ceremonies for this year’s induction.

The 2006 inductees include Irma Delores Player Hall, Lynn Whitfield, Elvin Lamont Bethea, Gerald B. Smith, Alexis M. Herman, Royall Mack, Dr. Larry L. Earvin, Reverend Dr. William Flippin Sr., Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin and Dr. Dwight D. Perry. Lifetime achievement honors will be given to Dr. John Hope Franklin, Anthony Viaer and John Mack.

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