On what would have been her 123rd birthday, friends and allies gathered to honor Modjeska Simkins in the SC Progressive Network‘s newly renovated HQ next door to the human rights icon’s historic home in Columbia.

People who knew her told stories about the woman they remember. People who wish they had known her, inclduing a few graduates of the Modjeska Simkins School, talked about what her legacy has meant to them. One can only imagine how proud she would be.

At evening’s end, everyone raised a glass of port for a toast. Cheers to the fighting spirit of Modjeska Monteith Simkins!

For more pictures and video clips, see our album.