The Williamsburg County Presidential Gala
The Mahogany Journal Entry • May 16, 2026
Preserving History, Celebrating Excellence
Williamsburg County Commemorates the 60th Anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Historic 1966 Visit to Kingstree
Official event video coverage compiled by Our Mahogany Heritage
Williamsburg County made history this weekend, commemorating the 60th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s historic 1966 visit to Kingstree. The powerful weekend culminated in the First Annual Presidential Gala, sponsored by the C. Williams Rush Foundation under the visionary leadership of Chairman Cassandra Williams Rush.
Our founder, Tanya Jones, was deeply honored to be invited to this inspiring evening celebrating local legacy, education, and unity.
The gala recognized four legendary HBCU leaders born and raised right here in Williamsburg County, honoring the incredible doors they opened:
Dr. Henry Tisdale (Claflin University): A trailblazing educator who made history as the first African American to earn a Master’s and a Ph.D. in pure mathematics from Dartmouth College.
Dr. Joanne Wright Hayesbert (Hampton & Langston University): An educational pioneer who became the first female president of any higher education institution in the state of Oklahoma.
Dr. Marcus Burgess (Saint Augustine’s University): A dynamic leader celebrated for his outstanding modern approach to strategic growth, student success, and institutional innovation.
Dr. Leroy Staggers (Morris College): A dedicated champion of higher education honored for his life’s work in academic excellence, student success, and institutional advancement.
“We are incredibly grateful to witness these local giants who prove that greatness isn’t limited by where you start, but how faithfully you walk your path. Let’s keep documenting and preserving our rich heritage!”
Featured Event Highlights
Event Photo Gallery
More Event Coverage: View additional event media and files via the external YouTube Video Broadcast and the supplementary Facebook Photo Album.
Photographer Credit: External community media assets captured and documented by Jamal S. Richardson.