Editor’s Note: This is the final installment in our Black History Month Difference Makers series. Today we feature Cynthia Pernell. Below is her story in her own words:
I am often asked the question, “What Inspires Me to Make a Difference?” I always begin with my father, John Robert McAllister. My father grew up as a sharecropper. He worked as a farm hand picking cotton, tobacco and whatever else the farm owner grew. He had only a 3rd grade education. My father often shared that he never wanted his children to work or struggle the way he did. He shared the sacrifices made for his family, so my six brothers and I didn’t have to grow up working on a farm. He prayed that his children would have jobs that were better than what he had. My father described the farm owners as “good people” because they wanted the best for him and his brother. The farm owners heard of a plant being built in Dillon called Dixianna Mills. They spoke to the plant manager…my father and his brother were amongst the first blacks to get a job there; thus, paving the way for a better life for his family. I learned so much from my father…
I feel that we all are called to make a difference in the lives of others. If we look deeply within ourselves, we can see that something we do or say will impact the life of someone. Being impactful doesn’t have to be a grand gesture. Surprisingly, it’s just simple acts of kindness displayed in the community, church, job or wherever it’s needed. For me, I love helping people and I love caring for people. It’s the nurturing side of me that was tapped into by my Aunt Sally when I was a teenager. She was a Nurse in the Operating Room and took me to shadow on her job at Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn, New York. It was then that I loved what nurses and doctors do. I loved how they talked to patients and their families; and I, most importantly, loved how they treated them. As a result of that experience, I’ve been caring and loving on patients for nearly 40 years.
This joy was matched when I met and married someone who had the same love and compassion for people as I. My job was to treat patients in the hospital with Love and Compassion and his job to Protect and Serve the people in the community. I’m speaking of our beloved late Sheriff Douglas “Humbunny” Pernell! God knew that we’d be a perfect match because our hearts for people were in the same place. Through him, I saw another side of the community that needed to be treated with love and compassion. He would put together food drives and distribute food to churches and various areas within the community. And as time permitted, I was happy to assist him and his team. It was labor intensive, yet joyful. He taught me that educating the community on political concerns and issues was also important. There were/are areas in the community where people can’t read and write- they needed help understanding their voting rights and laws. He taught me the importance of “extending grace” to people and reminding me that sometimes people just need a second chance. He loved the Lord, and our church. Douglas believed in charity and that when you bless others God will bless you in return. I share that sentiment.
So, I make a difference by continuing the work that Douglas started and by looking outside the box to see where the needs are. Whether it’s reminding the community that we have silent heroes amongst us who need to be honored for a job well done, supplying linens to our beloved Veterans or providing scholarships to students to help with their education expenses, I will be there, carrying on the legacy of a little boy who had a dream to become the Sheriff of Dillon County…a Man who inspired a community to give a Black Man a chance to make a difference.
Cynthia M. Pernell resides in Dillon and was married to the Late Sheriff Douglas “Humbunny” Pernell. They have two sons: Douglas “Bryan”Jr., and Kobe and one grandchild, Douglas Bryan Jamison (DJ) Pernell, lll.
Cynthia has an Associate Degree in Respiratory Therapy, Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration and Management and Master’s Degree in Ed. and Corporate Training. She has worked at McLeod Dillon for nearly 40 years and served in many capacities such as a Department Coordinator for Radiology, Certified Nursing Assistant, Respiratory Therapist Respiratory Therapy Supervisor and Director of Respiratory Therapy.
Cynthia is active in her community, serving as President as the Business and Professional Women’s Club, Dillon County First Steps Board Member, Dillon Democratic Party Vice-President, Palmetto Leadership Graduate, Dillon Criterion Club Member, Florence Darlington Technical College Respiratory Therapy Program Advisor, In It to Win It COVID19 Ambassador, lectures on Sleep Apnea Health and Asthma Awareness Community Seminars and attends Manning Baptist Church where created the Manning Baptist Messenger Newletter, served as a Pastor Aide Member, Member of the Manning Baptist Health Ministry and Nuse Aide Ministry.
When not supporting community initiatives, Cynthia loves reading, cruising and resting.
