Columbia Urban League, Inc.

In Columbia, James T. McLawhorn, Jr. has served as the president and CEO of the Columbia Urban League, Inc., since 1979. and is nationally recognized as a leader in race and community relations. He has appeared in hundreds of articles, news features, and public affairs programs addressing topics such as race and social policy.

Under Mr. McLawhorn’s visionary leadership, the Columbia Urban League has partnered with various organizations and entities to promote social justice, civil rights, and equal opportunities. In addition to partnering with the Fifth Circuit Solicitor’s Office and churches, he has supported and worked with the

Drug Court

to generate awareness about the program and encourage collaboration.

As the chief planner for the King Day at the Dome, the largest civil rights demonstration held in the history of South Carolina, he drew more than 50,000 people to downtown Columbia to protest the flying of the Confederate flag atop the South Carolina State House.

He is also involved with the Columbia FBI Citizens’ Academy Alumni Association, Harvard University Civil Rights Project, United States Department of Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee for Minority Veterans, Wachovia National Bank Community Advisory Board, National Governors Association Public Policy Advisory Board on Transitioning Foster Care, and numerous other organizations.