News

Statue Honoring Gamecock Basketball Star A’ja Wilson Erected in Columbia

On Monday January 18, 2021, a statue of Gamecock women’s basketball star A’ja Wilson was unveiled outside of the Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, South Carolina.

A’ja Wilson, who grew up in Hopkins, South Carolina, had an outstanding career at the University of South Carolina, leading the Gamecocks to their first ever Final Four in 2015 and eventually clenching a NCAA title in 2017.

Wilson has gone on to play in the WNBA after being selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 WNBA Draft by the Las Vegas Aces.

The significance of the date the statue was unveiled cannot go unnoticed. The unveiling took place on Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a date that Wilson herself felt was symbolic for many reasons.

“This is the day we recognize the great Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King [Jr.],” Wilson said. “My grandmother couldn’t even walk on this campus; she had to walk around [it]. If she was here today to see her granddaughter has a statue where she once could not walk … it goes to show how you just plant seeds, and that’s what it’s all about.”

Photo Copyright: ALLEN L SHARPE 2018

Hannah Barton

Recent Posts

Opinion: South Carolina Economy Relies on Efficient Truck Transportation

Over the past year, we’ve all had to adapt to new norms because of the…

3 years ago

Best Picnic Spots in South Carolina

There has never been a better time to explore South Carolina’s stunningly beautiful parks and…

3 years ago

Greenville’s Saturday Market is Back! Here’s What You Can Expect

Greenville’s weekly Saturday Market is back. Venture to downtown Greenville every Saturday morning for an…

3 years ago

Proposed New State Park Includes Access to Black River

A new state park is in the works! The proposed park would cover areas in…

3 years ago

MUSC Breaks Ground on New Pharmacy School

The Medical University of South Carolina recently broke ground on their new College of Pharmacy…

3 years ago

Greenville’s Euphoria Festival Set For September

Celebrate the 16th anniversary of Greenville’s Euphoria festival this September. Euphoria is a four-day festival…

3 years ago