TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR REVEREND DOCTOR ROMANDO JAMES FOR HIS OUTSTANDING WORK WITH YOUTH IN THE PALMETTO STATE AND TO CONGRATULATE HIM FOR HIS INCLUSION IN THE NATIONAL 4-H HALL OF FAME.

Whereas, the House of Representatives is pleased to learn that Romando James was inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame in October 2018, the first South Carolinian to obtain this honor; and

Whereas, the National 4-H Hall of Fame was established in 2002 to mark the centennial anniversary of 4-H clubs in order to recognize and celebrate individuals who have made an extraordinary impact on 4-H and the lives of its members; and

Whereas, Reverend Doctor James joined the Rutgers University Extension Service and became the first New Jersey Urban 4-H change agent, serving under-represented urban youth by adding many non-traditional programs and clubs, such as The Playmakers Guild performing arts program; and

Whereas, he was the subject of the 4-H training film Living Your Choices, Romando and held many offices in the New Jersey 4-H Agents Association; and

Whereas, in 1980, Reverend Doctor James joined Clemson University Family and Youth Development Department as a 4-H curriculum specialist and was responsible for 4-H in all forty-six counties; and

Whereas, based on his doctoral dissertation, he created a new program to teach life skills for adulthood, called 4-H P.R.I.D.E., purpose, respect, integrity, determination, and enthusiasm; and

Whereas, the program expanded into an annual, week-long summer camp sponsored by Clemson 4-H, the Sixth District of the National Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, and the Kellogg Foundation. That evolved into a prison ministry through the South Carolina Department of Corrections; and

Whereas, the founder and president of Operation Common Sense, Reverend James has published a book of poetry and essays entitled P.R.I.D.E.: Book of poetry and essays; and

Whereas, his community service has been honored with numerous awards, including the Nobel Prize for Community Service and the Jefferson Award; and

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives values the dedication of Romando James to the youth of our State and applaud his induction into the National 4-H Hall of Fame. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor Reverend Doctor Romando James for his outstanding work with youth in the Palmetto State and congratulate him for his inclusion in the National 4-H Hall of Fame.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Reverend Doctor Romando James.