Benjamin E. Mays – An Important Event in Greenwood

Posted on November 5, 2017 by gwd_admin

Yesterday marked a very important day for the history of Greenwood, SC: The unveiling of a statue honoring the memory and legacy of one of our county’s most important residents, Dr. Benjamin Elijah Mays.

Much can be said of this man’s contribution to our nation’s soul. Below are some links where you can read more about Dr. Mays’ life and accomplishments.

Biography written by Morehouse College

Biography written by The University of Chicago

Mays House Museum in Greenwood, SC

Index-Journal article on the Mays statue unveiling (with video)

Wikipedia entry for Benjamin Mays

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Poll Workers Needed!

Posted on October 24, 2017 by gwd_admin

Connie Moody, Director of the Voter Registration and Elections office, is looking to hire Poll Workers and Managers now.  For a day’s work during any of the elections, a Poll Worker receives $135.00. Connie is eager to get the help lined up now, so we encourage those interested to apply right away.

Although many of those working the polls are adults, they do hire young people as well (as long as they’re 18 and over).  If you are interested, call the Voter Registration & Elections Office at 942-8585.

Connie’s business card below:

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What’s That Smell?

Posted on October 19, 2017 by gwd_admin

A message from Trav Robertson, Chair, South Carolina Democratic Party

Friends,

If you noticed a horrible smell in the Upstate yesterday don’t be alarmed. It was just the smell of Swamp Water blowing in from Washington, D.C.

Yesterday evening [Monday] the least popular U.S. President in recent history flew into South Carolina to support an unpopular Governor who is mired in a scandal and facing a stiff challenge from yet another Republican “outsider” who has spent the last 7+ years working in state government.

Lest we forget, this divisive U.S. President has attacked both the German automotive industry and the healthcare system, two critically important employers in the Upstate.

Clearly, Donald Trump and his good friend Henry McMaster don’t care about your jobs or your health, but they’ll happily take your money.
Continue reading →

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South Carolina congressmen should just own their selfishness

Posted on October 15, 2017 by gwd_admin

Hicks column: South Carolina congressmen should just own their selfishness

Hicks column: South Carolina congressmen should just own their selfishness

When record rainfall flooded South Carolina two years ago this month, the feds bailed us out.

[…]

The Federal Emergency Management Agency put up $180 million to help people rebuild their homes, replace their belongings and get medical treatment. The agency approved a similar amount for the state to repair infrastructure damaged by the storm.

When Hurricane Matthew hit South Carolina last October, FEMA offered $79 million for individuals and nearly $300 million for damage to the state.

The jury’s still out on how much assistance South Carolina will get for Tropical Storm Irma. But don’t be surprised if it’s zilch.

Last week, three South Carolina congressmen — Mark Sanford, Jeff Duncan and Ralph Norman — joined 66 other Republicans in voting against disaster relief for Texas, Florida, California and Puerto Rico.

Source: www.postandcourier.com/columnists/hicks-column-south-carolina-congressmen-should-just-own-their-selfishness/article_b06cf760-b04b-11e7-989a-ebfc88f12608.html

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Meeting Minutes from Monthly Breakfast Meeting

Posted on October 11, 2017 by gwd_admin

Greenwood County Democratic Party
Monthly Breakfast Meeting
October 7, 2017

The meeting was called to order at 9:20 am by our Chair, Charles Lewis

Opening Prayer

Given by Rev. James Thompson

Charlie Barrineau, Greenwood City Manager

Our Chair, Charles Lewis, introduced Charlie Barrineau, Greenwood City Manager. Charlie told us that the yes4greenwood.com site was first used as a marketing tool to publicize the Capital Projects Sales Tax Initiative, otherwise known as the “Penny Sales Tax”.   It is now being transitioned to a site to keep us informed about the progress of each of the 27  projects.

Charlie went on to inform us about things that are going on within the City of Greenwood:

  • South Greenwood Park Project
    This site is on Foundry Rd. next to the Charles Lamb Community Enrichment Center.  A planning meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 23, 2017 at 5:30 pm.
  • Habitat for Humanity
    greenwoodhabitat.org
    The City of Greenwood is currently partnering with Greenwood Habitat for Humanity to revitalize the North Edgefield Neighborhood on the West side of Greenwood. Streets included are Park Ave., Washington Ave., Marion Ave., Mineral Ave. and Edgefield St.
  • Police Department
    Violent crimes are down in the city by 69%! Police are wearing body cameras. There has not been even one report instance of excessive force being used by our police in the past 3 years!
  • Fire Department
    October is Fire Prevention Month and Station 1 is having an Open House on this coming Saturday, October 14th.  For more information, see the attached flyer.
  • Uptown Market
    The market was financed by Greenwood’s Hospitality Tax.  Charlie said the last payment was just made.  He informed us that those people who have SNAP cards are given a 5% discount on fresh fruits and vegetables sold on Wednesdays.
  • Dr. Benjamin E. Mays Statue Unveiling and Dedication
    Three Day Celebration:    (See attached flyer for more information)

    • A Panel Discussion on the Life and Legacy of Dr. Benjamin Mays
      Friday, November 3, 2017@ 5:00 pm
      Lander University
    • Statue Unveiling and Dedication Ceremony
      Saturday, November 4, 2017 @ 2:00 pm
      The Arts Center of Greenwood @ 5:00 pm (Invitation Only)
    • Worship Service at the Childhood Church of Dr. Mays
      Sunday, November 5, 2017
      Old Mt. Zion Baptist Church
  • The Railroad Historical Center
    They just received a grant to install handicap accessible ramps.  If you have not been to the Railroad Historical Center lately you really need to go for a visit.  The work that has been done to renovate the trains is unbelievably great.908 Main St S, Greenwood, SC 29646
    (864) 229-7093

Continue reading →

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Updates from the SCDP

Posted on October 10, 2017 by gwd_admin

South Carolina Democrats,

Today in Sumter, Archie Parnell announced that he will be running again in 2018 to challenge Ralph Norman. His campaign is having another event this evening at the Five and Dine in Rock Hill at 135 East Main St from 5-7 PM. As you know, Archie came within 3,000 votes of beating Norman in the special election for Mick Mulvaney’s old seat over the summer. He also released an announcement video you can view below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_zj8r_NhpA&feature=youtu.be

Representative James Smith also announced the kick-off event for his campaign for Governor will be held on October 17th. You can find the details on his website at https://jamessmith.com/kickoff.

Also, applications for the 2018 Class of Clyburn Fellows are open! As you know, the Fellowship is named after one of the most successful Congressmen in the history of the South Carolina Democratic Party. James E. Clyburn is currently the Assistant Democratic Leader in the United States House of Representatives, making him the third ranking Democrat in Leadership. Previously, Clyburn has served as House Majority Whip, House Democratic Caucus Chairman and Vice Chairman, as well as Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus. We’re looking for a diverse and dynamic group of men and women who are interested in running for office, running political campaigns and developing into leaders in the Democratic Party. Applications are sought from individuals who are interested in enhancing their leadership and political skills in order to better serve their communities, constituencies and causes. For more information on the Fellowship and to apply, head to: http://scdp.org/clyburn-fellowship-2018/! Completed applications may be submitted starting Monday, October 2nd.

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Here are the cases you should be watching

Posted on October 6, 2017 by gwd_admin

image

After a three-month break, the Supreme Court of the United States is back in session this week – and we are watching a number of cases that will impact our democracy and civil rights.

Learn more about our top cases to watch:

Epic Systems Corp. v. Lewis – To protect the rights of workers, LDF teamed with the Impact Fund and Cohen Milstein to file an amicus brief in this trio of cases. The cases address the question of whether employers can force workers to abandon their class action rights.

Continue reading →

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Special Guest at next Breakfast Meeting – Charlie Barrineau

Posted on October 5, 2017 by gwd_admin

FROM THE DESK OF THE CHAIR:

Hello Greenwood County Democrats!

I have great news pertaining to our meeting this month. Mr. Charlie Barrineau, City Manager of the City of Greenwood, has graciously consented to come give us an update of the happenings in Greenwood. He will cover such issues as the Penny Tax spending, the Farmers Market and all of the projects the City has on tap to improve our lives here in Greenwood. I am thrilled to have him come address us.

If you have ever had any questions concerning the city government this is the time for you to be at this meeting.
Democrats Care!!

I look forward to seeing you at the meeting Saturday 9:00 A. M. Inn on the Square

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Now is the time for sensible gun regulations

Posted on October 5, 2017 by gwd_admin

Now is the time for sensible gun regulations | Greenville County Democratic Party

In this joint statement on the Las Vegas shooting, four Upstate county Democratic Party leaders, led by Kate Franch, demand ‘more than thoughts and prayers’ to stem senseless violence across the U.S. GREENVILLE, S.C. (Oct 5, 2017) – We all woke up to unthinkable news on Monday morning that yet another mass shooting had occurred …

Source: greenvilledemocrats.com/now-time-sensible-gun-regulations/

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Legislator Spotlight: Senator Floyd Nicholson

Posted on October 5, 2017 by gwd_admin

From the SCDP:

This week, we’re turning our spotlight toward Senator Floyd Nicholson of Greenwood. Senator Nicholson, who was first elected to the Senate in 2008, represents District 10 in the Senate, which covers Abbeville, Greenwood, McCormick, and Saluda Counties.

When we talk about local issues and understanding their nuance, it’s important to know the depth of knowledge throughout the Democratic Caucus. Senator Nicholson, for example, is more than a long time resident of Greenwood — he was elected to the Greenwood City Council in 1982, on which he served until his election as Mayor in 1994. Together, Senator Nicholson has spent more than 20 years working directly in city government in his hometown and brings that expertise, along with his deep background in education from his time in the classroom, to the Senate.

A retired educator, Senator Nicholson received a Bachelor of Science in 1972 from South Carolina State University in Orangeburg. Additionally, he was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Humanities from Lander University in 1997, in recognition of his public service. He’s also taken on a number of leadership roles during his time in government, serving on Jim Rex’s Transition Team after he was elected as the Superintendent of Education, as the Chairman of the Upper Savannah Council of Governments from 1990-1992, and as the President of the South Carolina Municipal Association in 2001.

Senator Nicholson served as the Mayor of Greenwood from 1994 until his election to the Senate in 2008. Since he’s been in the State House, he has twice won reelection against aggressive Republican opponents.Currently, Senator Nicholson serves on a number of committees in the South Carolina Senate, including Education, Rules, Corrections and Penology, Finance, Invitations, and Medical Affairs.

To learn more about Senator Nicholson or contact him, please view his biography here.

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