The Times and Democrat - Dream of change

Bakari Sellers, the new representative for S.C. House District 90 (Bamberg, Barnwell, Orangeburg counties), was sworn in to office on Tuesday before an overflow crowd of family members and supporters at the Brooker Center in Denmark.

Sellers, South Carolina’s youngest lawmaker as a 22-year-old political novice, unseated veteran legislator Thomas Rhoad in the June 13 Democrat Primary and was unopposed in the Nov. 7 general election. Rhoad had served in the S.C. House for 24 years.

Sellers told those attending Tuesday’s ceremony he’s excited to represent the people of District 90 and happy that so many have expressed confidence in him.

“I did not grow up dreaming to be the richest man in the world or having too much money or owning the nicest car. I just have a dream of creating change in this community ... to serve District 90 and make South Carolina the home it can be,” Sellers said.

“We have issues like quality public school funding, preserving Medicare and Medicaid, creating economic opportunities and working on our infrastructure,” he said. “We have to work on widening our roadways, widening Highway 78. We have to work on getting resources in our schools, paying and overpaying our teachers instead of always talking about our teachers being underpaid.”

Sellers said he wants to go to Columbia and work on issues like “a living wage instead of minimum wage,” equality of public school funding and getting the opportunity for people in South Carolina to have access to a quality job, quality health care and a first-class education.

“I see communities that are not divided any longer and I see people in this room that must come together. Far too long we have bickered. Far too long we have battled,” he said. “And I think today is the day that we bridge that and today is the day that I want to spread the message of moving forward together with my dream of change for a new South Carolina, and I think it can start here in Bamberg County.”

Sellers concluded his remarks by saying, “To you, I promise that not only will I have faith but I hope you have faith in me. It is time for all to work together because faith without work is dead.”

The Rev. Cleveland Sellers III, Bakari Sellers’ brother, gave the welcome and invocation. District 90 ROTC students posted the colors, and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by the Denmark-Olar Elementary School students.

The oath of office was administered by Circuit Judge Doyet “Jack” Early III, and Sellers’ introduction was by Sen. John Matthews.

Following Sellers’ remarks, the dismissal prayer was given by his sister, Nosizwe Sellers, M.D.

Sellers is a 2005 graduate of Morehouse College and a second-year law student at the University of South Carolina.

T&D Correspondent Vic Whetstone can be reached by e-mail at vwhets@bellsouth.net or by phone at 803-793-3402. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

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