Donate Now to the BDP Foundation

The Briggs – De Laine – Pearson Foundation (BDP Foundation), is a 501(c)(3), non-profit, tax-exempt organization with IRS public charity status. The charitable, volunteer organization is located in the economically distressed, rural town of Summerton, South Carolina.

 BDP Foundation was originally founded in 1993 when a group of individuals decided to form an organization to memorialize the participants of the Briggs v. Elliott case. Briggs v. Elliott was the first case in the twentieth century to challenge the constitutionality of racially segregated schools. It was the first of the five legal cases filed in the United States Federal Courts that led to the May 17, 1954, Supreme Court verdict on Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, KS.

BDP Foundation’s focus is on the education of individuals from low-income backgrounds. Its primary service area covers Clarendon County.

Marguirite L. De Laine, Board Chairman​

Welcome Letter

South Carolina Education Association

Sherry East, President of the South Carolina Education Association and Joyce Argo, a member of the Association’s Human and Civil Rights Committee present Marguirite De Laine, Chairman of the Briggs-De Laine-Pearson Foundation with their organization’s Walker E. Solomon Award. The award is given to an individual, local association, school or community that works to eradicate racial inequalities in the education profession, schools and communities. Ms. De Laine was presented with an award in the Individual Category for her vision in leading the Briggs-De Laine-Pearson Foundation. She also accepted the Walker E. Solomon Award in the Group Category on behalf of the Foundation for the work the organization is doing in Clarendon County.

South Carolina Council for the Social Studies Panel Discussion

Ms. Marguirite De Laine, Mr. Joseph A. De Laine, Jr. and Dr. Roy Jones, experts on the Briggs v. Elliott case, were invited by the South Carolina Council for the Social Studies to talk with their teachers about the origins and the lasting impact of the case. During the panel discussion, both De Laines and Dr. Jones highlighted the need to understand the individuals involved in the case as a way of better understanding Briggs. 

Chairperson Marguirite L. De Laine's Tour of New Education Center

Chairperson Marguirite L. De Laine provides a tour of the new education center. The 4,000 sq. ft. facility with seven classrooms, offices, and a commercial kitchen. The education center is expected to serve up to 200 children in Clarendon County. The education center will open in September 2024. 
Dr. Roy Jones Clemson University, Letter to BDPF
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