Ward One Organization

Ward One Organization The Ward One Reunion Organization was created by a displaced community, Ward One Community.

A displaced community existed between present day Pickens, Gervais, Heyward and Huger Streets was once known as the Ward One Community. The historic Neighborhood once included proud, humble and loving people; numerous homes & rentals, churches, schools, banks, and black-owned businesses, which has since been demolished under the guise of so labeled “urban renewal and USC’s expansion”. Although the community is now occupied by State buildings, USC dormitories, sport complexes, etc., the old neighborhood still exists in the hearts and minds of its former residents. Gentrification may have changed the community of old, but the spirit of the Ward still exists and this was illuminated in 1991, through the shared experiences of A.J. and Beatrice Richardson (1st President); Veola Chatman, Odell and Viola Jackson, Homer and Billie Kennedy, William “Zeke” and Ethel Mary Workman Rawlinson, James H. “Jimbo” Davis, who had the vision of forming the now, Ward One Organization. This group stated that it was a common place at various gatherings, meetings and funerals that someone would reminisce about the old Ward; never quite remembering the full details of the person or place. However, it did not take much more than a passion of “not forgetting” to move forward with the idea of a reunion. Subsequently, the Organization began monthly meetings two decades plus, at the Union Baptist Church, which was one of the demolished community churches, located on the then ten-hundred block of Devine Street. With a primary purpose of renewing acquaintances; the Organization draws attention to the shared history and legacies of a predominantly African American community, whose mantra is: “We’re Still Not Done With the Old Ward One!”

While much has been achieved, there is still opportunity for the membership to forge ahead for the purpose of:

· Fostering continued awareness of the many legacies and significance of the former community
· Researching and actively pursuing the approval for request of landmark status, markers and or monuments that will serve to memorialize the legacies of descendants and their contributions
· Continuing the Biennial Reunion, which began in 1992
· Ultimately establishing a museum under its acquired 501 (C3) status, with memorabilia and artifacts that will permanently house and crystalize the humble, yet rich heritage of a beloved community, gone but not forgotten

10/08/2026

Twenty-four days and counting!!! Register today!

10/04/2026

Wednesday Oct. 21, guests 55+ can enter the for just 5$ at the gate! In addition seniors can enjoy free Ferris wheel rides and the Double Decker Merry-Go-Round all day. Come join us for a day filled of fun and excitment!😆🎡 scstatefair.org

09/23/2026

in 1979, civil rights lawyer Matthew J. Perry Jr. of Columbia became the first African American federal judge in state history when he was seated on the U.S. District Court of South Carolina.

Image: Matthew Perry is sworn in as a federal judge at the U.S. Courthouse in Columbia, South Carolina, September 22, 1979. Photo by Johnny Drummings/The State Media Company, courtesy of Richland Library’s State Newspaper Photograph Archive.

09/20/2026
09/01/2026

Experience the vibrant spirit of history and culture at the 48th annual Jubilee: Festival of Black History & Culture, hosted by Historic Columbia and presented by Legacy Traditional Schools! Join us on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., at the Mann-Simons Site for a FREE, mu...

08/28/2026

Join the Center for Civil Rights History and Research in celebrating the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture’s 10th anniversary.

Available to watch today only: "August 28: A Day in the Life of a People," a powerful film by acclaimed writer and director Ava DuVernay.

Created for the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the film explores six pivotal moments in Black history that occurred on August 28—reflecting the resilience, struggle, achievement, and transformation of the African American experience.

Watch before the screening ends tonight: https://vimeo.com/user233247057/august28th

Tag someone in the comments, or invite your friends, family, and community to watch with you!

08/20/2026

You're invited! After three years at the Columbia Museum of Art, Intersection on Main Street: African American Life in Columbia is drawing to a close.

Celebrate with us and experience the exhibit one last time on Tuesday, September 1, from 4:00–7:00 p.m.

We will be joined by Judge Richard Roberts, grandson of renowned twentieth-century Columbia photographer Richard Samuel Roberts, and will host a screening of A True Likeness, which highlights Roberts' life and work.

You can RSVP here: https://universityofsouthcarolina-yrckc.formstack.com/forms/iom_celebrating_journey.

We hope to see you there!

08/18/2026

Celebrating Mattie Anderson-Roberson❣️🙏🏾

We have an incoming international graduate student arriving in Columbia on Tuesday, August 11, who urgently needs short-...
08/08/2026

We have an incoming international graduate student arriving in Columbia on Tuesday, August 11, who urgently needs short-term housing while he looks for a permanent place to live.
Edward Dugbartey is an incoming MFA Painting student at USC from Ghana. He is looking for an affordable room rental, ideally around $650/month and within walking distance of campus.
Edward is a professional artist and a quiet, respectful, and responsible person who values cleanliness, good relationships, and a peaceful living environment. He enjoys art, learning from different cultures, and being part of a supportive community.
The most immediate need is a room or temporary place to stay for a few weeks while he gets settled and locates longer-term housing.
If you have a spare room, know someone who might, or have any leads on affordable housing near USC, I would be incredibly grateful if you would reach out.
Please contact Kathleen Robbins (USC Art Prof) at 803-414-8642 or [email protected]
And please feel free to forward this widely. Thank you!

Address

P. O. Box 8391
Columbia, SC
29202

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