Charleston Chronicle Exclusives
Black Residents May Get A Little Something From Charleston’s 2019 $223 Million Budget
By Barney Blakeney Last week Charleston City Council gave first reading passage to the city’s 2019 budget. Councilmembers were asked what the proposed $223 million budget means for the city’s approximately 30 percent Black population. In the city where redevelopment and gentrification has dwindled its Black population from about 70 percent in 1980 to less…
Read MoreMack Elected Chair of CCSD Board Described as “Dysfunctional” – Promises Change
By Barney Blakeney Charleston County School Board last month elected two-term member Rev. Eric Mack board chair. Mack ascends to the board’s chairmanship as tumultuous activity advocating change occurs. Mack said he sees that change coming and is committed to making it happen. In a Tuesday interview, Mack said, “I definitely see change coming. Starting…
Read MoreCharleston 2019 Budget Should Include $15 Per Hour Minimum Wage, Workers Insist
By Barney Blakeney Charleston City Council’s regularly scheduled December 4 meeting appeared almost a feeding frenzy as Mayor John Tecklenburg and councilmembers discussed the city’s 2019 annual budget. The mayor is proposing a nearly $223 million operating budget and several entities seeking municipal funding are in line for a share. They include a group that…
Read More‘i style u’ – A Dream Come True
By Patrice Smith A new men and boys wear store has recently opened up in North Charleston. ‘i style u’ is a dream come true for owner Natalie Seel Ahadi. “It was always a dream of mine to have my own store. When I found out that Bluestein’s Mens Wear was closing at the end…
Read MoreGreg Rouse Continues Grandfather’s Legacy In Law Enforcement
By Barney Blakeney Gregory Rouse, II as the grandson of retired U.S. Marshall Fred Stroble, grew up in the shadow of one of the Charleston area’s most respected law enforcement officers. Rouse’s grandfather was among the first Black police officers hired by the Charleston Police Department and continued to a stellar career in law enforcement…
Read MoreCivil Rights Groups Protest Discrimination At Charleston Radio Stations
By Barney Blakeney Several local civil rights organizations November 27 began picketing at Cumulus Radio Station Group’s North Charleston studios to address allegations of racial discrimination in employment. Led by S.C. National Action Network, The Coalition (People United To Take Back Our Community) and the North Charleston Branch NAACP, enjoined about 30 picketers protesting at…
Read MoreExquisite Enterprises Inc. and Ray DeeZy hosts Oyster Roast & Pop Up Shop in Summerville
By Damion Smalls Multimedia and community consortium Exquisite Enterprises Inc. and rapper Ray DeeZy are inviting the public to join them Saturday, December 8 for the “When It All Boils Down” Oyster Roast & Pop Up Shop at the Shave & Fade Barbershop (1931 North Main Street) in Summerville. Tickets are $25 and can be…
Read MoreThe Tale of Two Sisters: A Journey to West Africa
By Helen Frazier Less than one month ago, my sister and I traveled to the continent of Africa and visited the nations of Liberia and Ghana. Since this was my first trip visiting the “motherland”, I had no idea that it would take my sister’s knowledge after visiting twice per year for 15 years to…
Read MoreDespite World Renown, James Jamerson Still Isn’t In The South Carolina Music Hall of Fame
By Barney Blakeney Perhaps one of the most talented and innovative bass players in modern history was Edisto Island native James Jamerson. He played on most of the Motown Records hits of the 1960s and 1970s. And while Jamerson is recognized among the best to ever play the electric bass guitar, the distinction of being…
Read MoreAn Argument Against Single Member District Voting
By Barney Blakeney In the wake of the November 6 general elections that shown a spotlight on polarized politics perhaps more than any in recent memory, reflections on statements made by the late W. Earl Douglas may offer some insight. Several weeks ago, former Charleston County Council Chairman Lonnie Hamilton, III provided this reporter with…
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