With great sadness, SC State University is sharing that the Honorable Matthew J. Perry has passed away.

A native of Columbia, S.C., Judge Perry received a bachelor of science degree from SC State University, then South Carolina State College in 1948 and a law degree in 1951.

With the appointment by President Carter on September 22, 1979, the same year he was named an SC State distinguished alumnus, Judge Perry became the first African-American to be appointed to the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina. He assumed senior status on October 1, 1995.

“SC State University lost an outstanding, distinguished, pioneering loyal son today,” said SC State’s Dr. George E. Cooper. “We will continue to pray for Judge Perry’s family during this most difficult time and we hope that you share your prayers with them as well.”

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2 COMMENTS

  1. I am honored that I had the Opportunity to meet Hon. Matthew J. Perry Jr. He was the keynote speaker for Civil Rights Remembrance Day in May of 1997 at Trinity United Methodist Church in Orangeburg, South Carolina, He will be deeply missed.,but his legacy will live on through the work I am compiling for publication. I am a native of Orangeburg,and the visionary of Civil Rights Remembrance Day. Rosa Mavins Bogar

  2. Honorable Matthew J. Perry Jr. was awarded the Civil Rights Remembrance Day Award in May of 2001 at Trinity United Methodist Church in Orangeburg, South Carolina.I am honored that this award was bestowed upon Judge Perry for his contribitions to the civil rights movement not only to South Carolina but to humanity. Perry will be greatly missed and his legacy will live on through Civil Rights Remembrance Day. I am a native of Orangeburg and the visionary of Civil Rights Remembrance Day. Rosa Bogar

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