Our Heroes


An HOLC Hero is a very special person who has been a role model for the Board of Directors as well as for scholars. A new one is chosen annually based on their community service. They have exemplified themselves by their dedicated commitment to the community - sometimes at great sacrifice.

Being an HOLC Hero is our way of saying  THANK YOU to these devoted souls who have given us so much. 
2015 Hero        Ms. Sue Yearwood
  • Volunteered for Second Helping Food Bank, South Carolina
  • Past Treasurer and past Vice President, Sun City Democratic Party, South Carolina
  • Responsible for the operation of Democratic Headquarters, Jasper County, South Carolina during 2008 Presidential Election
  • Board Member and Secretary, Mercy Ministries of the Lowcountry (2008-2014)
  • Completed The Beaufort County Senior Leadership Program, Clemson University, South Carolina
  • Past Board Member and Secretary, Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce (2009-2013)
  • Past Advisor, Mitchelville Preservaton Project (2013).  Continue to work on projects ad hoc, South Carolina
  • Currently Loan Committee Advisor, Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce, South Carolina
  • Board Member and Membership Chair for League of Women Voters (2013-present), South Carolina
  • Active member and user at St. Andrews by the Sea, United Methodist 
2014 Hero        Mr. James Gilliard
  • Campbell Chapel A.M.E. Church
    Served as a trustee. Current Steward pro tem.
    Finance & Budget Committee. Was Treasurer for the new facility that was built in 2004. Member of two choirs and the Sunday School.
  • Sun City Hilton Head Retirement Community
    Veterans Club-Past Adjutant, honored for 2,500 hours of service. Was AARP-Activity Director. Was Charter Member-Safety & Service Team (Resident Patrol). Was a.member of the SunCity Music Guild-Choir.
    Sun City clubs; Democratic, Bid Whist and Coin
  • Community
    Was President of SC State University Alumni Club of Beaufort County. Charter Member/Treasurer, Dennis Becker American Legion Post 205, Bluffton, S.C. Former member-Palmetto Electric Trust Board.  Life Member of NAACP 
  • Organizations
    Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (Savannah GA).Burke High School Alumni, (Charleston, S.C.). Georgia Historical Society and The Coastal Jazz Society, both in Savannah, GA.. 
  • Hobbies: Collecting Black History memorabilia. (Books, stamps, coins, etc)
2013 Hero        Dr. Emory Campbell
  • Dr Emory Shaw Campbell contributed to the cultural and environmental heritage of the island people from the Low Country of South Carolina.
  • For many years he addressed issues that affected the daily lives of island people.  His goal was to inform and discuss methods of preserving and enhancing the unique and rich Gullah cultural and environmental heritage 
  • In the face of rapid development on the island, he served as the President of Gullah Heritage Consulting Service where he conducted seminars on Gullah Cultural Heritage and related issues.  
  • He also conducted lectures, short courses, and established the Gullah Heritage Trail Tours company on Hilton Head Island.  
  • Dr. Campbell authored the guide book, Gullah Cultural Legacies in 2002.
2012 Hero       Ms. Ida Martin
  • Ms Martin was a long time resident of Bluffton, SC who became concerned that there were no organizations in town to help the poor.
  • In 1987 she founded the Self Help Organization, a non-profit agency, to help the working poor, infirm and elderly.
  • Received many honors throughout her life including  the Presidential Citizen Medal from President Barack Obama   
  • This award is the highest civilian award, and it recognizes Americans who have performed exemplary deeds of service for their country or their fellow citizens .  
The best way for you to be a Hero is to make a generous donation to our scholarship fund.
We are a 501(c)(3) organization, so your gift is tax-deductible.