COLUMBIA, South Carolina — Hundreds of South Carolinians, including governors and former chief justices of the state, were recognized Thursday for helping break color barriers and bringing a sense of humor to college track and field. Honored Judge Casey Manning’s vast career. bench.
A Columbia-based judge who sat on the bench for 28 years will retire this year.
Former Chief Justice of the South Carolina Supreme Court, Costa Playkones, recently told more than 350 people at the University of South Carolina Alumni Center that more than 50 years ago one of Manning’s greatest achievements came on the school’s basketball court. Told – not in court.
In the same way that the legendary Jackie Robinson, the first black baseball player to desegregate Major League Baseball in 1947, was chosen, not only was he chosen for his athletic prowess, but also for his character, intelligence, and desegregation. Playcorns said Manning was chosen carefully, and was also chosen because of “basic human decency.” Reeder became the first black athlete to play college sports in college.
“It was no coincidence that Casey Manning was selected in 1969 as the first African-American scholar in USC history. It was chosen carefully because it was entering a field that was very diverse.
“Casey Manning is South Carolina’s Jackie Robinson,” Playcorns said.
A dozen speakers on Thursday teased the retiring judge while also talking about Manning’s character. Many have touched on the judge’s well-known personal trademark. Cowboy in different colors, his preference for his boots, his aggressive way of questioning even close friends with questions such as “What’s your name?” His dog was named after famous blues singer Fats Waller.
Manning’s former legal clerk, Charleston Democratic Rep. Deon Tedder, describes one of the many personality traits Manning is known for, describing his former boss as “yelling at you while telling you to calm down.” He is the only person who can do that.”
Manning’s stack of honors included the state’s highest civilian honor, the Order of the Palmetto, personally awarded by Governor Henry McMaster. Manning also received the keys to the City of Columbia from former Attorney General and Mayor Teresa Wilson and Columbia City Councilman Edwin McDowell Jr., presented by former University of South Carolina Attorney and former University of South Carolina Rep. Seth Rose. She received a proclamation from her SC her House. American tennis player.
Additionally, city and state officials announced that two streets in Manning’s hometown of Dillon County would be renamed after him, including a street by the Richland County Courthouse in Columbia.
McMaster, who has been a fan of Manning since he was a judge on the Gamecox basketball team, praised the judge for working with young lawyers and charities.
“He’s a mentor to young people, especially young lawyers, and his work extends to causes such as United Way,” McMaster said, adding that Manning was honored for his politeness on the bench. He mentioned that he won an award: “Most people know him best for 25 years as a radio color analyst for USC Men’s Basketball.”
The Palmetto Medal was awarded to Manning, McMaster said. Because he “had an amazing career and a remarkable impact on our state.”
Also, several state judges, including former Chief Justice of the South Carolina Supreme Court Jean Toll, former Chief of the State Court of Appeals James Lockmey, DeAndrea Benjamin, Carmen Mullen, Diane Goodstein, attorney of choice Byron Gipson, Also in attendance were David Stumbo and Ernest Finney.
Former University of South Carolina basketball star Alex English was also present.
So did Todd Ellis, a Columbia attorney and star quarterback for the Gamecocks in the 1980s, and Joe McCulloch, a Columbia attorney and former collegiate track and field athlete.
Daniel Coble, the Colombian attorney elected to Manning’s post, attended the celebration. Richland Democrats and Attorneys Rep. Todd Rutherford and Rep. Beth Bernstein, and Democratic Rep. Gerald Malloy from Darlington. So did lawmakers. Other attorneys in attendance: Columbia’s IS Levy Johnson, media attorney Jay Bender, and Jim Griffin, who is defending murder suspect Alex Murdau in an upcoming trial.
State judges are allowed to have law clerks, and Manning has had 28 law clerks over the years, many of whom, like Benjamin, have been promoted to senior positions, and Benjamin will soon be He could join the prestigious 4th Circuit Court of Appeals.
“He’s a great bridge to the new faces of South Carolina,” Toal said. “The room was filled with people from all walks of life and backgrounds. It was an unbelievable gathering when I came here.”
“Quite a crowd,” said one.
“Quite a judge,” replied Colombian attorney Boyd Young.
