Electing Judges in South Carolina in 2013

One of the most crucial issues in the State of South Carolina as it relates to the South Carolina Judicial System is the shortage and need to elect more Black judges. Would you believe that a Black state legislator is solely responsible for denying South Carolina Citizens of a much-needed Black judge?

At the same time that we lost the opportunity to acquire another Black judge, SC Governor Nikki Haley appointed Aisha K. Taylor an African-American female to the Worker’s Compensation Commission that pays $100,000 or more a year.  Forty-six senators, 28 Republicans and 18 Democrats voted for her confirmation. Incidentally, Governor Haley is a Republican-elected Governor.  Not one of the senators or the Governor has any idea whether Ms. Taylor is a Republican or Democrat. When the Republicans became the majority party in 2000, a number of rule changes took place in the S.C. Senate. However, none of the employees lost their jobs, it must also be pointed out that most of the employees were appointed by senators who were Democrats under the previous structure of the senate. Once again, no one knew or cared whether they were Democrat or Republican. 

It is very clear that in South Carolina when you run as a candidate for a judgeship, or serve as a judge or magistrate your political party affiliation is never an issue. The only issue a candidate may have to address is what county or part of the state in which they reside. As a matter of fact, judges are not allowed to participate in any political activities. In this past election, all 170 members of the SC General Assembly were keenly aware there is a shortage of African-American judges. Over the past five years this body has done a better job of electing more African American judges. However, there is still a prominent shortage in the number of minority judges in the state based on the state and prison population.

The Newly Elected Representative Samuel Rivers, Jr., House District 15

On Wednesday, January 30 when a Black legislator,  Rep.  Samuel Rivers of North Charleston was  the only Black representative present and voting in the SC General Assembly that did not vote for Attorney Roslyn Frierson and denied the community of having an additional Black judge.  Attorney Frierson is the Director of the Department of Court Administration for the Chief Justice of South Carolina, The Honorable Jean Toal.  Regrettably, Representative Rivers’ political philosophy trumped voting for a Black qualified candidate – his action was disgraceful.

I would like to serve notice to Rep. Samuel Rivers, U.S. Senator Tim Scott and U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, whether you accept it or not, you are Black living in America.  The Black people that died in the Civil Rights Movement so that you could have the opportunity you now have, to hold the position that you now hold, to live as first-class citizen reeks non-enlightenment.  You have benefitted the most from Affirmative Action, Voters Rights and Civil Rights than any other generation since the Civil Rights Movement.  I could have died at any time from 1962-69, during any one of these pivotal demonstrations during the Civil Rights Revolution.  So gentleman, please stop the stupidity.

It is a slap in the face that you benefitted from their efforts, blood, sweat and tears – yet disallow others the opportunity to advance for the same reason we had to fight for our rights during the movement.  All he had to do is vote for her --- it is both disgraceful and disgusting.  

Let me also point out, that over 20 Republicans voted for Mrs. Frierson to become a Family Court Judge.  So, Representative Rivers’ choice to not give the South Carolina citizens another Black judge is a crime against humanity.  He and his actions must be dealt with.  Another disgusting point about Representative Rivers not voting for Attorney Roslyn Frierson is that he is from the Charleston area.

It was Representative Nathan Ballentine who encouraged four Black Democratic lawmakers who are attorneys and one Democrat non-attorney to spearhead the movement for the firing of Mrs. Lillian McBride, Director of the Richland County Elections Commission to be dismissed.  On Wednesday, January 30, 2013 during the election of judges, those five Richland County legislators could not get Representative Ballentine to vote for Roslyn Frierson, what a disgrace.