By Javar Juarez
(CUBNSC) Columbia, S.C.- This Friday, the Lavish Grooming Lounge Barber Salon in Columbia's Main Street District served as the backdrop for a transformative barbershop conversation among Black millennial leaders poised to reshape South Carolina politics. Hosted under the creative leadership of Richland County Councilwoman-Elect Tyra Little, the event focused on the importance of creating a more informed and engaged citizenry. Attendees were greeted by some of South Carolina’s most dynamic emerging Black leaders, including Senator-Elect Overture Walker, current Richland County Councilman and former chair; Representative Jermaine Johnson, a progressive Democrat known for his bold activism; and newly elected City Councilman Tyler Bailey, Esq., a National Bar Association (NBA) 2024 40 Under 40 honoree.
This gathering highlighted a significant shift in South Carolina politics. Millennial Democrats, including these young Black men, are returning to their grassroots origins, demonstrating that progress and good governance can bring about equity for all. In an atmosphere of homegrown warmth and camaraderie, Councilwoman-Elect Tyra Little and Joshua "JB" Belton, owner of Lavish Grooming Lounge, facilitated a heartfelt discussion among brothers who are leading the way to a brighter future.
Reigniting the Black Community's Political Voice
The conversation was an inspiring reminder that Black leaders are stepping up to improve the conditions in some of South Carolina’s most difficult communities. At every level of government, these leaders are making bold moves to connect with constituents, offering clarity on the often misunderstood roles of city, county, and state government. Many attendees left with a clearer understanding of the responsibilities that different levels of government hold, and the vital need for more direct communication with the communities they serve.
Senator-Elect Overture Walker, the Democratic nominee for District 22, addressed key issues like gerrymandering and redlining, which have long disadvantaged Black communities. Walker stressed that Republicans in the South Carolina Statehouse don’t need to compromise to pass legislation because of their stronghold on power—a situation that keeps politicians, namely Democrats from governing from the center.
Meanwhile, Representative Jermaine Johnson, known for his fierce commitment to community activism, shared updates on his statewide tour to assess the hardest-hit communities, many of which are predominantly African American. His passion for change was palpable as he highlighted the need for politicians to be fully engaged with the people they serve, regardless of political lines.
Holding Elected Officials Accountable
City Councilman Tyler Bailey emphasized the responsibility of elected officials to respond to and support their constituents. “Elected officials must be a resource,” Bailey said, stressing that too often, officials ignore the very people who put them in office. He urged his peers to set the example by not just making promises but by actually serving in ways that matter.
An Event Rooted in Community
Lavish Grooming Lounge, located at 3037 N. Main Street, provided the perfect setting for this intimate discussion. With its chic, boutique-style salon and open-air patio, the venue embodied the sense of accessible, grassroots politics that is needed in today’s divisive climate. Joshua "JB" Belton, owner and operator, hosted the event to help the community better understand the politics that govern their lives and dictate resources and representation.
In attendance were Richland One School Board Commissioners Angela Clyburn and Jamie Devine, alongside representatives from the Richland County Democratic Party, including Michael Layer. The lively discussion reflected the type of approachable, engaged politics that should become a part of our local culture moving forward.
Taking a Stand for the Penny Tax
Senator-Elect Overture Walker took the opportunity to discuss the upcoming referendum to extend the Penny Tax, a $4 billion, 25-year plan designed to protect public transportation in Richland County as it experiences record population growth. Walker emphasized that misinformation has long hindered progress in the county. He explained that 40% of the Penny Tax funds come from out-of-town visitors through hospitality and accommodations—a fact that should encourage locals to vote in favor of extending the tax. The alternative, higher property taxes, could place a greater burden on residents.
Senator-Elect Overture Walker emphasized the importance of engaging with the community to educate them about government processes. Using the example of Hardscrabble Road, he explained that many residents are unaware of the distinctions between state and county responsibilities. Hardscrabble Road, for instance, is a state road, but the improvements were funded through the county's Penny Tax. The South Carolina Department of Transportation (DOT) lacked the funds to make necessary improvements, so the county generated the revenue via the Penny Tax, while the DOT maintained oversight of the project. Walker highlighted the common misconception that county funds meant county control, illustrating the need for elected officials to educate the public on such issues.
He further noted that the county often receives minimal help from the state to maintain infrastructure. Most federal infrastructure dollars allocated to South Carolina are used for state highways, leaving counties to independently raise revenue for local roads, an issue exacerbated by the Republican-led statehouse's lack of support for local infrastructure needs.
A Call for Greater Civic Engagement
Throughout the evening, one common theme emerged: the importance of Black communities becoming more organized and engaged in the political process. Historically, many Black neighborhoods have remained isolated from mainstream politics, missing out on resources that could benefit their communities. Both Johnson and Walker stressed the need for ongoing education and direct engagement, warning that failure to organize could allow an oligarchy to suppress the will of the people.
This barbershop talk wasn’t just a discussion about politics; it was a call to action. As Walker said, “We want to be a governing party, not just a party of protest.” With emerging leaders like Walker, Johnson, Bailey, and Little, the next generation of Black leaders is poised to make that vision a reality.
Support CUBN Today: Empower Progressive Black-Owned Media
Join us in supporting the Columbia Urban Broadcast Network (CUBN), the only progressive, Black-owned media outlet dedicated to amplifying voices and telling stories from within our community. Your contribution, even as little as $1, can make a meaningful difference. To support, please donate via Cash App at $CUBNSC. Together, let's continue to uplift our community and ensure its stories are told with integrity and authenticity.
Bình luận