By Brenda C. Murphy
EDITORIAL
I am extremely proud to say that the people of South Carolina stood together and made their voices heard against manipulative efforts to silence Black voters and weaken our political power through rushed congressional redistricting.
House Bill 5683, the proposed legislation to redraw congressional lines ahead of the statewide primaries, failed in the South Carolina Senate after a powerful resistance in the South Carolina House of Representatives. That did not happen by accident. It happened because people organized, mobilized, and showed up.
When racially discriminatory reared its ugly head, the South Carolina State Conference NAACP immediately went to work too. I appointed regional coordinators across our state who worked directly with local branches to develop and implement voter mobilization plans in their communities. Our members attended committee hearings, spoke out in opposition, and stood firm in urging legislative members in the State House to defend fair representation and voting rights.
At the same time, we collaborated with faith leaders, civic organizations, community advocates, and coalition partners throughout South Carolina and nationally to raise awareness about the impact this legislation would have had on Black voters and communities across out state. Together, we made it clear that the voices of the people could not be ignored.
While early voting continues through June 5th, South Carolina saw record-breaking turnout on the very first day. More than 56,000 votes were cast early on May 26, according to the state election commission, and an additional 34,000 people cast ballots on May 27. Greenville County recorded the third highest voter turnout in the state since the start of early voting, and as of June 1, more than 120,000 ballots have been cast during the early voting period so far.
I sincerely thank each partner of the NAACP SC State Conference who assisted in this effort, the members of both parties in the General Assembly who stood on the right side of history, and, most importantly, every voter who showed up to exercise their constitutional right.
However, while defeating this legislation was a major victory, the fight for Black voices and fair representation is far from over.
The fact that there was a real attempt to replace the only African American congressional representative in South Carolina during an active election sends a clear and concerning message. It reflects an ongoing attack on the voices of Black people who represent over 25 percent of South Carolina’s population.
This should not be taken lightly. It should be recognized for what it is: a threat to fair representation and democratic participation. Unfortunately, it also reflects a growing climate in our country that focuses more on division and separation than inclusivity, fairness, and progress.
It is also important to understand that the proposed congressional map was not created in South Carolina, nor by South Carolinians, but by an organization based in Washington, D.C. and reportedly under the direction of the President. To anyone considering future efforts of this magnitude, I simply say this: remember the month of May 2026 and remember that the South always has something to say.
This moment should also serve as a reminder that democracy only works when people remain engaged. In November 2026, South Carolinians will once again have an opportunity to elect leaders who represent the best interests of the people and who refuse to place partisan politics ahead of morality, fairness, and justice.
We have an opportunity to change the trajectory of our future and demonstrate progress compared to past efforts that failed to consider the needs and perspectives of all people. Time and time again, studies have shown that when diverse perspectives are included in the decision-making process, stronger and more effective solutions are achieved.
We must do what is right for the future of our children and ensure that we leave our communities and institutions better than we found them. We must continue standing firm against policies and positions that are unjust. We must also remind some, if not many, public leaders that no one person owns a seat, and their responsibility is to serve the people — not themselves.
Now is the time for greater civic engagement. Whether you have been politically active for years or are just beginning to pay attention, your voice matters. Elected officials make decisions every day that directly and indirectly impact our lives, our communities, and our future.
I encourage every South Carolinian to research your elected officials, understand how they vote, and pay attention to the policies they support. If you are not registered to vote, I encourage you to do so and participate in the November elections and elections at every level of government that happen each year. As president of a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, it is important to me that every eligible citizen exercises a right that so many sacrificed and fought to protect.
Continue working with community organizations. Continue building coalitions. Continue collaborating with one another. As a state and as a country, we are always stronger together, and we achieve the most positive outcomes when we remain unified.
Brenda C. Murphy is President of the NAACP South Carolina State Conference.