LGS Application

The scholarship is named after Bennie J. Swans Jr., a longtime community and civil rights activist. Swans is best known as the driving force behind the formation of Freedom Week – the annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebrations in Myrtle Beach. He is former chair of the Horry County Democratic Party. Swans was a decorated United States Army veteran who fought during the Vietnam War. He passed in September 2020.

About MBACC Diversity Equity & Inclusion Council

The mission of the MBACC Diversity Equity & Inclusion Council is to promote growth and enhance community awareness about the value and advantages of creating and sustaining diverse and inclusive businesses and workplace environments. Diversity is defined as any respect in which people or groups may differ, including race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, ability status and veteran status. Our goals are to encourage entrepreneurship, support the growth and development of businesses owned by individuals from underrepresented and marginalized groups, cultivate diversity leadership by providing resources and services for our diverse business community and help the community recognize the importance of all consumers.

Diana D. Greene served as Executive Director of Leadership Grand Strand for 19 years and was instrumental in advancing the nonprofit community. She firmly believes nonprofits are the heart of our community—their work supports those in need and enhances the quality of life across the Grand Strand. A scholarship focused on these vital organizations reflects the mission of Leadership Grand Strand by investing in their growth and developing staff so they can excel and succeed.

Leadership Grand Strand was one of the most rewarding parts of her career. She was honored to be part of so many citizens’ leadership journeys and is incredibly proud of the accomplishments of its graduates. It is her hope that this scholarship will help continue that legacy for many years to come.