Event to celebrate McNair’s birthday

By Bradrick McClam
Lake City News & Post Reporter
Published: September 5, 2008

The fourth annual Dr. Ronald E. McNair Memorial 5K Run/Walk and Health Fair has been postponed but organizers say it will take place again this year.
Previously, the event took place during September, however this year’s event has been moved to Oct. 18 at 8 a.m until noon.
Event Coordinator Clyde Bess said the reason for the change is to celebrate McNair’s birthday and 5K Run/Walk together. McNair’s birthday is Oct. 21, 1950. He also said Labor Day weekend is a busy time for everyone and the weather is hot. In the future, Bess said the 5K Run/Walk and Health Fair will take place the weekend on or before McNair’s birthday.
The objectives of the event are the same as previous years, to continue to raise funds for the Dr. Ronald E. McNair Museum and Science Learning Center, to raise the health awareness and improve the level of fit-ness for all citizens in the Pee Dee region and to keep McNair’s legacy alive.
Bess said most of the details of the event are still being refined, however, confirmed they are planning to have the same features of this past year’s event but plan to start at the Dr. Ronald E. McNair Memorial Park, which is adjacent to the Lake City Public Library.
“I think it’s amazing how the citizens of Lake City have supported the 5K Run/Walk,” said McNair’s aunt, Lela Austin. “Each year it has come to a higher level, which shows the family how citizens want to keep the legacy of Ronald alive.”
McNair’s widow, Cheryl McNair is scheduled to be in attendance.
The honorary chairman for the event is Claflin University Professor and Dean of the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Dr. Verlie A. Graham Tisdale.
The honorary chairman is selected as someone who is a visual example of what McNair stood for.
Tisdale, a Lake City native, was Salutatorian of the Carver High School Class of 1967 and McNair was the Valedictorian.
Tisdale, a 1971 graduate of Claflin University, received a Master’s degree in Biology in 1974 and Doctor of Philosophy degree in Biology in 1979, both from Atlanta University, according to Claflin University’s web-site.
Tisdale has served in several positions as a college professor and is the author of numerous publications on issues in science. She was inducted into the Florence County School District Three Hall of Fame in 1994 and her picture is displayed on the wall in the school district’s boardroom along with the other inductees.
Austin was Tisdale’s guidance counselor in school and found her to be a marvelous student who always made certain she completed tasks.
For individuals who would like to volunteer for the event or participate, call Clyde Bess at (843) 389-3282 or T.R. Cooper at (843) 394-2803. The Dr. Ronald E. McNair Committee is the overall sponsor for the event.