February 21: Osa Benson

Osa Benson
Photo credit Audacy

Born and raised in the heart of downtown Greenville, Attorney Osa Benson epitomizes black excellence with an illustrious education and career that spans more than 25 years. A lawyer, civil rights activist, political figure, author, motivational speaker, and mom of three, Attorney Benson is a pillar in her community who is always looking for a way to give back. Her motto is to whom much is given, much is expected, and for her this means using her talents and success to fight for the representation, equality, fair treatment, and justice of Black people.

Osa Benson attended Greenville Senior High School where she graduated at the top of her class.  She was then awarded a full academic scholarship to attend Furman University where she majored in political science and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree.  Osa immediately pursued her interest in politics and law by attending Howard University in Washington, D.C., where she earned a Juris Doctorate Degree and graduated cum laude (with high honors).  While in D.C., Osa clerked for two African-American congressmen in the U.S. House of Representatives, followed by an internship with a think tank called The Civil Rights Project. This project focused on making sure that minority, rural, and poor communities had equal access to the internet and worldwide web.

After graduating from Howard Law, Attorney Benson began her law career in Atlanta, GA, where she practiced for more than 20 years.  Heeding a call to return back to Greenville to protect, serve, and advocate for the needs of the underrepresented, marginalized, and African American citizens of her hometown, Attorney Benson now serves as the President of the Viola Neighborhood Association, a Commissioner on the City of Greenville’s Public Safety Citizens Review Board combatting police brutality and harassment, and Furman University’s Alumni Board of Directors and Black Alumni Council.  Osa Benson is also a senior litigation attorney at TD SYNNEX Corporation.  Attorney Benson serves her community with pride and we are honored to celebrate her as one of our Black History Heroes.

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Featured Image Photo Credit: Audacy