The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) collegiate chapter at the University of South Carolina Upstate garnered two national awards at the civil rights organization’s 113th National Convention held July 14-20 in Atlantic City, N.J.

The awards included Economic Development Chapter Area of Innovation and Education College Chapter Area of Innovation. Outgoing chapter president and 2022 USC Upstate graduate Antonio Lee Tanner traveled to the convention and accepted the awards on behalf of the chapter.

“We are honored to be recognized on the national stage for the work we’ve done,” said Tanner, a native of Miami, Fla., who came to USC Upstate in 2019 to pursue his degree in Commercial Music. “These awards speak volumes for the teamwork of our organization and support we’ve received from our executive board, dedicated members, the university, and the community.”

USC Upstate’s NAACP chapter completed a variety of projects this year and earned several university awards, that included Outstanding University Program of the Year, Officer of the Year, Advisor of the Year, and the Leon E. Wiles Humanitarian Award.

“The level of student involvement and activism continues to grow,” said Michael Moton, a budget analyst at USC Upstate who serves as the staff advisor for the university’s NAACP Chapter. “I am so proud of these students for their leadership and collaboration. They have worked so hard and have really raised the bar for those who will follow them.”

Moton said the chapter will be led for the first time in 2022-2023 by an all-female executive committee. He anticipates this incoming group to “reach similar heights.”

The chapter does accept monetary donations, Moton said. To contribute, please visit: https://www.uscupstate.edu/about-the-university/university-advancement/give/.

Short Link: