Cynthia Graham Hurd facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Cynthia Graham Hurd
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| Born | June 21, 1960 Charleston, South Carolina, U.S.
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| Died | June 17, 2015 (aged 54) Charleston, South Carolina
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| Occupation | Librarian |
| Awards | Congressional Black Caucus Phoenix Award |
Cynthia Graham Hurd (June 21, 1960 – June 17, 2015) was a kind librarian and a strong community leader. She lived and worked in Charleston, South Carolina. Cynthia was known for her dedication to helping people through reading and community service. She passed away at age 54.
After her death, many things were done to honor her. A special foundation was created in her name. A library branch was renamed the Cynthia Graham Hurd St. Andrews Regional Library. A beautiful mural was painted on another library. Each year, events, awards, and scholarships help keep her memory alive.
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About Cynthia Graham Hurd
Cynthia was born in Charleston, South Carolina. Her parents were Melvin and Henrietta Graham. She was one of six children in her family. As a child, she and her siblings went to the Emmanuel AME church.
She attended local schools like Immaculate Conception School and James Simmons Elementary. She also went to the High School of Charleston. In 1982, she graduated from Clark College in Atlanta. This school is now called Clark Atlanta University. She earned a degree in mathematics.
After college, Cynthia returned to Charleston. She wanted to help care for her mother, who was ill. In 1984, she started her career as a librarian. She later earned a master's degree in library science. She got this degree from the University of South Carolina in 1989.
Her Work as a Librarian
Cynthia worked as a librarian for 31 years. She spent her entire career in the Charleston library system. She loved helping people find books and learn new things.
At the time of her death, she was the manager of the St. Andrews Regional Library. She had held this position since 2011. Before that, she managed the John L. Dart Library. She worked there from 1990. Both libraries are part of the Charleston County Public Libraries.
Cynthia also worked part-time at the College of Charleston. She helped out at the Robert Scott Small Library and Addlestone Library. She started working there in the 1990s.
Community Service
Besides her library work, Cynthia was very active in her community. For over twenty years, she served on the board of the Charleston County Housing Authority. This group helps people find good places to live. She also served on the board of the Septima P. Clark Corp. This was a non-profit organization.
Cynthia was married to Steve Hurd. He was a United States Merchant Marine. Her brothers include Malcolm Graham and Melvin Graham.
Many people spoke about Cynthia's kindness and hope. At her funeral, a politician named James Clyburn shared a message. He said Cynthia showed what South Carolina's motto means: "While I breathe, I hope." He felt that because of Cynthia and others, there was great hope for South Carolina.
South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley also spoke about Cynthia. She said, "I love the fact that she lived by the motto, 'Be kinder than necessary.' That's what I will take with me." In 2016, the South Carolina House of Representatives honored Cynthia. They passed a resolution celebrating her life. They called her a "community servant-leader" and a "friend to the many citizens of Charleston."
Cynthia Graham Hurd's Legacy
Cynthia Graham Hurd left a lasting impact on her community. Many efforts have been made to remember her and continue her work.
Library Renaming and Mural
In 2015, the Charleston County Public Library honored Cynthia. They renamed the St. Andrews Library branch after her. It is now called the Cynthia Graham Hurd St. Andrews Regional Library. People who visited the libraries she worked at remember her kindness. The staff who worked with her also say they will never forget her.
In 2016, an artist named R. Robots painted a special mural. It shows many books on the John L. Dart Branch Library. This mural was created to honor Cynthia.
Foundations and Scholarships
The Cynthia Graham Hurd Foundation for Reading and Civic Engagement was started in 2015. This foundation helps continue her work. It supports programs that encourage reading and community involvement.
In 2020, the Charleston County Public Library started an anti-racism project. It promotes kindness by asking people to share good deeds using #ThisIsForCynthia. This was done when in-person events were not possible due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The library also made a video tribute called "Cynthia Graham Hurd, A Legacy Everlasting."
In 2021, Cynthia was featured in The South Carolina African American History Calendar. This calendar highlights important African American role models from South Carolina.
Several scholarships have been created in her name. The College of Charleston renamed a scholarship for in-state students. It is now the Cynthia Graham Hurd Memorial Scholarship. The University of South Carolina also created a fellowship fund in 2015. It helps people connected to the Charleston County Public Library System. Springer Nature offers an annual Cynthia Graham Hurd Memorial Scholarship to librarians.
In 2019, the Charleston County Public Library (CCPL) created the Cynthia Graham Hurd Staff Award. This award recognizes a staff member who shows the same spirit and dedication that Cynthia did.
Cynthia Hurd was also given the Phoenix Award. This award came from the Congressional Black Caucus. It was given to her after her death.
