He Fought for Rights -- Now His Name Adorns a Courthouse
COLUMBIA, S.C. — When Matthew Perry started trying cases in South Carolina 50 years ago, judges made the young black lawyer sit in the balcony until his case was called.
Now the 82-year-old judge’s name sits atop the columns of South Carolina’s new federal courthouse, which was dedicated Friday in honor of the civil rights pioneer.
“I’m tremendously honored; I’m humbled,†Perry said
About a thousand people attended the ceremony, including 64-year-old Alma Dinkins, who has followed the judge’s career.
“To me, Judge Perry has set an example for all young people to fight for human rights for all people,†she said.
A native of Columbia, Perry became dedicated to civil rights when he saw how freely blacks lived in Europe during World War II, according to his friends.
The decisive blow came while Perry was on leave in Alabama and saw an Italian prisoner of war being served inside a restaurant when he had to order from a window outside the kitchen.
“Women lawyers of South Carolina hold him in particular affection for paving the way for us when we were not accepted in courtrooms,†state Chief Justice Jean Toal said.
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