The below resolution was presented to the Perry Family via the service directors on August 4, 2011.

RESOLUTION CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND HONORING THE MEMORY OF LOYAL SON AND ALUMNUS MATTHEW JAMES PERRY, JR.

WHEREAS, Matthew James Perry, Jr., was born of humble parentage in Columbia, South Carolina on August 3, 1921 during an era of Jim Crow segregation and institutional oppression of people of color;

AND WHEREAS, Matthew James Perry, Jr., from a deep sense of patriotism, served in the United States Army from 1942 to 1946 and fought to secure the blessings of liberty for a foreign people;

AND WHEREAS, Matthew James Perry, Jr., earned his Bachelor of Science Degree and his Bachelor of Law Degree from his beloved alma mater South Carolina State College (now University);

AND WHEREAS, Matthew James Perry, Jr., legal career spanned six decades and included scores of cases that helped secure freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, the right to vote, equal access to education, as well as due process and equal protection under the law to a disfranchised people;

AND WHEREAS, Matthew James Perry, Jr., in 1976, became the first African American to be appointed a federal judge from the Deep South, being seated on the United States Military Court of Appeals;

AND WHEREAS, Matthew James Perry, Jr., in 1979, became the first African American federal judge in the state of South Carolina;

AND WHEREAS, Matthew James Perry, Jr., in 1995, assumed senior status on that aforementioned court;

AND WHEREAS, in recognition of his life’s commitment to insuring justice for all people, the federal courthouse in Columbia (SC) was named in his honor;

AND WHEREAS, Matthew James Perry, Jr., in recognition of service to humankind has received honorary degrees from Princeton University, South Carolina State University, Benedict College, University of South Carolina, Clemson University, Voorhees College, Claflin University, The Citadel, Francis Marion University, Wofford College, Presbyterian College, Lander University, and the University of Central Michigan;

AND WHEREAS, Matthew James Perry, Jr., as a further testimony to his lifetime achievements and contributions to the greater welfare of his home state, was inducted into the South Carolina Hall of Fame;

AND WHEREAS, Matthew James Perry, Jr., often gave of his time and resources to the spiritual encouragement of youth;

AND WHEREAS, on July 29, 2011 Matthew James Perry, Jr., departed this life but left a loving wife, Hallie; a son, Michael James; and a legacy of service to mankind;

BE IT RESOLVED, that Matthew James Perry, Jr., steps were deliberate and swift; his goal was equality; his companions and enemies were many; his vision was reliable; his mission was clear;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Matthew James Perry, Jr., could not be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed; that he was fearless in the face of sacrifice; he did not ponder at the pool of popularity; he was seldom angry or bitter; he possessed compassion; his standard was excellence and his love preserved all people;

FINALLY BE IT RESOLVED that Matthew James Perry, Jr., shall forever be held in high regards and gratitude by the people whose lives he has touched and most especially by the loyal sons and daughters of his dear alma mater -SCC.

Given this, the 4th day of August, 2011 by the National Alumni Association of South Carolina State University

Written by Dr. Larry L. Watson and edited by Jacquelyn D. N. Cunningham
This document was endorsed by the National Alumni Association. This document is a creative work developed solely to honor the life, accomplishments and memory of our beloved and Loyal Son of SCSU, US District Judge Matthew James Perry, Jr. It includes and is a summary of the many truths, thoughts, comments, words, and perspectives of many, many people. It is by no means an exhautive list of Judge Perry's life.