South Carolina S 928: 125th anniversary of Weeping Mary Baptist Church

Bill Text

2025-2026 Bill 928 Text of Previous Version (Feb. 17, 2026) - South Carolina Legislature Online 

South Carolina General Assembly
126th Session, 2025-2026

Bill 928

Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

(Text matches printed bills. Document has been reformatted to meet World Wide Web specifications.)

A senate RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE "Great Eight" football 
players of South Carolina State University for their historic legacy, enduring 
contributions to collegiate athletics, and their lasting impact on the 
historical fabric of this State.

Whereas, South Carolina 
State University, founded in 1896, stands as a cornerstone of academic 
excellence, leadership development, and cultural legacy within the State; and

Whereas, during a 
defining era in the history of collegiate athletics, eight exceptional football 
players from South Carolina State University distinguished themselves through 
athletic excellence, discipline, and perseverance, earning recognition 
collectively as the "Great Eight"; and

Whereas, South Carolina 
has previously and formally recognized the "Great Eight" through legislative 
action of the South Carolina General Assembly, affirming their historical 
significance and lasting contributions to collegiate athletics; and

Whereas, the Great 
Eight includes John Alford, defensive tackle for the Miami Dolphins; Edwin 
Bailey, offensive guard for the Seattle Seahawks; Charlie Brown, wide receiver for 
the Washington Redskins; Robert Geathers, defensive tackle for the Buffalo 
Bills; William Judson, defensive back for the Miami Dolphins; Angelo King, 
linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys; Chris Ragland, running back for the 
Washington Redskins; and Leroy Robinson, offensive tackle for the Philadelphia 
Eagles. These players represent a legacy of excellence achieved during an era 
when African American student athletes faced systemic barriers to opportunity, 
equity, and recognition; and

Whereas, the 
accomplishments of these athletes extended far beyond the football field, 
serving as enduring symbols of leadership, resilience, and pride for South 
Carolina State University, the State of South Carolina, and Black college 
athletics nationwide; and

Whereas, the legacy of 
the Great Eight is deeply connected to the cultural heritage of the Gullah 
Geechee people, whose descendants have played a vital role in shaping the 
history, traditions, and cultural resilience of South Carolina's Lowcountry; 
and

Whereas, Gullah 
Harambee, presented by The Crate Group, stands as a sacred gathering rooted in 
unity, remembrance, and restorative honor that is dedicated to uplifting 
historically overlooked contributions and affirming cultural truth through 
public recognition; and

Whereas, recognizing 
the "Great Eight" during Gullah Harambee reflects South Carolina's commitment 
to honoring historical excellence, preserving cultural heritage, and 
acknowledging contributions that have strengthened the State's collective 
legacy; and

Whereas, the members of 
the South Carolina Senate greatly appreciate the dedication and commitment that 
the "Great Eight" have shown in serving the people and the State of South 
Carolina. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the 
South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, 
recognize and honor the "Great Eight" football players of South Carolina State 
University for their historic legacy, enduring contributions to collegiate 
athletics, and their lasting impact on the historical fabric of this State.

Be it further resolved 
that a copy of this resolution be presented to each member of the "Great Eight."

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This web page was last updated on February 17, 2026 at 12:12 PM