Judge to be honored for civil rights work

COLUMBIA — Federal judge Matthew J. Perry Jr. will be honored this month with the Thurgood Marshall Award from the American Bar Association for his years of contributions to civil rights.

As an attorney during the 1950s and '60s, Perry tried more than 6,000 cases and secured the release of 7,000 people who were protesting segregation, including James Clyburn, now a U.S. congressman.

"I just think he is a South Carolina treasure," said Clyburn, who was arrested for protesting while at South Carolina State in 1960.

Perry said he was honored to receive the award named for the late Supreme Court justice.

"This is a very special award. It's highly significant to me, and I'm very pleased to receive it," said Perry, who turned 86 on Friday.

In 1957, Perry became chairman of the state legal committee of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. In the unpaid position, he handled many cases dealing with the desegregation of state parks, public schools, hospitals, golf courses, restaurants, parks, playgrounds and beaches.

"Judge Perry played a very important role in almost all of the desegregation cases involved in South Carolina," historian Jack Bass said.

One of those cases was the admission of Clemson University's first black student in 1963.

The award was first given to Marshall in 1992. Other recipients include Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg and Alabama lawyer Fred D. Gray, who represented Rosa Parks.