In Our Community

*Local Activists And Organizations Announce Events For John Lewis Voting Rights Day Of Action*

Democracy is under threat in America,” says Donald Gilliard, President of Sweet Gilliard Productions, LLC, “Along with a host of local activists and groups we are coming together to honor the late John Lewis and to create some good trouble and necessary trouble as we fight to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Bill.”

As a part of a massive national mobilization, the Press Conference encompassing Georgetown and surrounding areas will showcase local activities and events to raise awareness of a massive effort to defeat voter suppression efforts and promote Democratic Reform.

BACKGROUND: Following the record-breaking voter turnout in the Georgia Runoff election, state legislatures across America have released an offensive onslaught of legislation designed to suppress the vote of communities of color and youth voters. These actions were made possible in many states due to the erosion of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 by the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Shelby County v. Holder (2013). Meanwhile, the Citizens United v. FEC (2010) Supreme Court ruling has allowed special interests and billionaires the ability to spend unlimited amounts of money to influence elections. The John Lewis Good Trouble Votercade Series was successful across America during the 2020 General Election and Georgia Special Election, and now addresses the preservation of Voting Rights through the enactment of the For The People Act (HR1/S1), The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act (HR4), Washington, D.C. Admissions Act (HR 51) and addressing the filibuster.

This event promotes H3822 in the SC Statehouse, the SC Voter Access Bill.

Among organizations participating in the press conference are Carolina for All, Georgetown NAACP Branch #5520, Gullah Geechee Chamber of Commerce, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Howard Alumni Association, Sweet Gilliard Productions.

For more information or to RSVP: on the May 8th National John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Action Day, visit https://www.johnlewisdayofaction.org.

*Eat Smart, Move More Takes Over Florence Farmers Market Tuesday Night*

The Eat Smart, Move More (ESMM) Florence Coalition will join the Tuesday evening market to celebrate health and wellness by showcasing health and active living businesses and non-profits at the City Center Farmers Market the first Tuesday of each month. Tuesday, May 4th will be the first Eat Smart Move More take-over at the Tuesday night market from 4–7 p.m. There will be fun for the whole family.

*Morris College To Offer “Summer Fast-Track” Program*

Morris College is offering a “Summer Fast-Track” program to 42 graduating high school seniors (Class of 2021) on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants who qualify can earn from six to nine college credits free, which includes tuition, room and board, books, and fees. Morris College’s “Summer Fast-Track” program starts on June 14, 2021 and runs through July 27. In order to be eligible for the “Summer Fast-Track” program, students must pass placement testing offered at 10 a.m. on either April 24, June 12, or July 10, 2021. For additional information, contact Ms. B. McBride at bmcbride@morris.edu or Dr. Cohens at ecohens@morris.edu

*“Fiddle Music Program At The L.W. Paul Living History Farm”*

Visitors to the L.W. Paul Living History Farm are invited to enjoy a music program featuring lively fiddle tunes on May 15th from 1 PM until 2 PM. Museum employees Abigail Phelps and Marian Calder will demonstrate the reels, jigs, and polkas that continue to influence modern music. This program is free, however, space is limited and reservations are required. To reserve your spot, call 843-915-5321 or e-mail hcgmuseum@horrycounty.org.

The L.W. Paul Living History Farm is open Tuesday-Saturday 9 AM-4 PM and teaches the history of the Horry County farm family from 1900-1955. The farm is free and open to the public and is located at the corner of Hwy 701 North and Harris Short Cut Road in Conway, SC