Members of the South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus (SCLBG) held a press conference to discuss the legislation debated during the 2024 General Assembly session. During the press conference, held May 10 in lobby of the State House, SCLBC members from across the state addressed various issues of importance to their constituents.
State legislators will select a new Supreme Court justice to replace Chief Justice Don Beatty, the only African-American on the court. He must leave the bench after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 72.
Members of the Caucus expressed concern over the lack of diversity in the state’s court system.
“We call upon our colleagues in the General Assembly to embrace a non-partisan approach to judicial selection, one that truly considers the long-term health and fairness of our judiciary,” said Rep. Rosalyn Henderson-Myers. “Our commitment to diversity is therefore a commitment to a more equitable society, where every voice has the potential to be heard and understood within the halls of justice.”
‘Let’s ensure that our courts are a true reflection of our diversity, and a beacon of justice for all,” she continued. “It is time for South Carolina to lead by example and ensure our court reflects the diversity of those they serve. It is only fitting that our judiciary reflect the diversity of its citizens.”
One of the most contentious issues debated in the State House this year was the Clementa Pinckney Hate Crimes Act, which failed to pass the General Assembly.
“It is deeply troubling that South Carolina remains one of the only states in the nation without legislation addressing hate crime,” said Senator Vernon Stephens. “It sends a disheartening message to our citizens and to the nation about our commitment to justice, and equality. The failure of our state to pass such a law does not merely present a legislative oversight, it signifies a systemic reluctancy to confront and address the deepening issues of prejudice and violence based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and other identities. This reluctance undermines our effort to build a society that values and protects all its members equally. Without it, we lack the necessary tools to adequately track, prosecute and deter hate-based violence.”
“We can no longer afford to stand by,” he continued. “We need legislation that not only punishes the perpetrators
of hate crimes, but also aids in the healing and restoration of communities torn apart by such acts. It is time to lead with courage and conviction to make South Carolina a safer, more inclusive state for all who call it home.”
Charleston area Representative Wendell Gilliard also expressed his disappointment over the General Assembly’s failure to pass the Clementa C. Pinckney Hate Crimes Act.
“Come June, it will be nine years that we are trying to push the bill into law,” said Rep. Wendell Gilliard. “Nine years is a long time. We are demanding a hate crime law in the state of South Carolina. The time is now.”
“If Senator Clementa Pinckney was here today, he would be telling you the same thing,” he continued. “You laid him out in all his glory in here (The State House) and everybody, both Republicans and Democrats, cried a tear. We should not wait one more second, one more day. The time is now.”
Rep. Ivory Thigpen, the SC Legislative Black Caucus chairman, addressed the new law that allows South Carolina’s citizens to openly carry firearms.
“As we continue to talk about diversity on the beach and the failure to pass hate crime legislation, it really begs the question, do we care about the citizens of South Carolina?” asked Rep. Ivory Thigpen. “We have arguably passed what could be the most dangerous deal in the 21st century. I speak of the violence that I believe will be associated with the permit-less carry law, also known as Constitutional Carry. Don’t let the name fool you. It has the potential to exacerbate and make worse what is already a troubling trend of increasing violence across our state. H3594 that was signed into law by the Governor on March 7, authorizes individuals who are not otherwise prohibited to possess firearms and conceal it without need of training or permit. While the law still maintains that they can be permitted to carry (even as young as 18 years of age), this law also significantly shifts the approach to public safety. It removes critical safeguards that were there for a reason. For instance, firearms can now be stored anywhere inside a vehicle – openly or concealed, locked or unlocked. The mere possession of a firearm is no longer sufficient for a law enforcement officer to stop an individual and do their job to create safety in our community. This introduces new challenges for all the men and women who wear the uniform. Overall, it
increasingly creates accessibility to firearms, and potentially may lead to violent outcomes.”
“Guns are not toys” he continued. “They should never be handled without training and proper supervision. Regardless of what this bill says, everyone who operates a gun needs training. This is an unsafe law and something that puts us in great harm.”
Rep. Jermaine Johnson, who is launching a statewide series of summits to address community violence, questioned South Carolina’s commitment to addressing the issue.
“When we look toward the future of this great state, we must remain committed to violence intervention programs,” said Rep. Jermaine Johnson. “I’m happy to say that a few months ago, I was able to meet with Governor McMaster and we discussed these issues. We discussed violence across the state. And I’m happy to report that just this morning, I received notice that we have allocated a half a million towards prevention programs in the state. But let’s be clear. Let’s compare that to the over $100 million that the state of Tennessee has allocated towards these programs. Are the programs for the citizens of South Carolina important enough to put teeth behind them?”
Even though caucus members expressed disappointment with the results of the 2024 legislative session, SCLBC Chairman Thigpen vowed that the caucus will continue to fight the good fight on behalf of their constituents.
“The South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus will fight for opportunities, access and legislation, particularly for underrepresented communities,” Rep. Thigpen said. “We are fighting for all South Carolinians. This caucus, which celebrates 50 years of amazing work, will remain committed to the proposition that we will stand alone if we have to.”
“We believe in the principles of democracy, and ensuring that every voice is heard and every concern is addressed. We know what is right, and it is always the time to do what is right, no matter how complex the issue, no matter how urgent.”
“We look ahead with an amazing belief that we’re not here to insult but to inspire the state as well as the country, which has an amazing potential to be great,” he continued. “If we engage in meaningful dialogue, foster partnerships, seek solutions, pass the type of legislation and provide the right type of policies and funding, every South Carolinian can be proud to call this state home.”
