Craig Melvin visited his hometown of Columbia, South Carolina, to mark a special occasion.
The Today host received the inaugural Ripple of Impact Medal.
Craig later shared his thoughts on Instagram about the incredible honor.
Craig Melvin is spreading the love for the town that raised him.
On October 9, fans of the Today host learned that he and his wife, Lindsay Czarniak, visited his hometown of Columbia, South Carolina, for a special reason. Craig received the city’s first-ever Ripples of Impact Medal, a new tradition that “honors individuals, businesses, organizations, and community partners who make a lasting, positive difference in Columbia and the Midlands region,” according to a press release from Columbia mayor Daniel Rickenmann.
Sharing photos of the moment on Instagram, Craig got sentimental about what this honor means to him.
“I’ve always been proud to call Columbia home, and this week was a reminder of just how much this community means to me,” he wrote in the caption. “On Wednesday, I had the honor of receiving the inaugural Ripples of Impact Medal from Mayor Daniel Rickenmann in my hometown of Columbia, South Carolina.”
Craig also acknowledged that it took a village to get him to this place in his life and career.
“Being back with so many of the folks who helped shape me, encouraged me, and continue to support me made the recognition that much more meaningful,” he added. “I’m incredibly grateful for this honor, but even more grateful for the people and the community that helped make me who I am today.”
When fans saw his personal announcement, they rallied around him with inspiring words.
“This is so wonderful & well deserved! ❤️ congratulations!!” one person wrote in the comments. “Congratulations Craig! Thanks for always shining a light on what’s important to you, including Columbia!” another agreed. “Congratulations, Craig! You are a true role model. 👏 Great picture of you and your family!” a different follower added.
Craig later expressed his thoughts about the event on the Today show.
“It was nice being back. Being honored, of course, it’s nice, but it was the group I was honored with,” he said in a clip posted on Instagram. “[WNBA star] A’ja Wilson—she couldn’t be there because she was in the playoffs. But A’ja Wilson was honored, and some of the folks that growing up in Columbia, South Carolina, that I sort of idolized, they were among those being honored, [including] one of the first Jewish businessmen in our community.”
Congrats!
