Black to Black

By Barney Blakeney A friend recently sent me a link to a story noting that a Charleston Chronicle story led to the hiring of a local Black owned firm to do business with one of the presidential candidate’s campaigns. I’m low tech/no tech so when I pulled up the link I found myself on a…

By Barney Blakeney This likely will be the last column I write in 2019 and I haven’t got the slightest idea what to write about. I try to write columns that offer information, not just my opinion. What’s that they say about opinions – like buttholes, everybody’s got one. I try never to forget I’m…

By Barney Blakeney I thought I was the only one until my brother from another mother, Shoot Me, called a few minutes ago to share two concerns. First he said while driving down King Street on the peninsula this weekend he noticed the street seemed “glum” because of the lack of Christmas lighting and decorations.…

By Barney Blakeney Better to have and not need, than to need and not have. I last week had a medical procedure done. Healthcare costs, ya’ll! As the Democratic primary closes in – Saturday, February 29 is the date of the election – I’m pressed to figure out what the candidates stand for and who…

By Barney Blakeney Okay, I promise this will be my last column about the November 5 municipal elections – or maybe not. I’m still seething about the performance of Black voters. It seems too many of us just don’t get it. I’m convinced the power of education, economics and politics will set my people free.…

By Barney Blakeney Through the benevolence of some friends, I’m getting to know some of the presidential hopefuls. I heard Kamala Harris at the Charleston Branch NAACP banquet – Education Committee Chair Stephen Cofer Shabica gave me a ticket and Sunday Pete Buttigieg’s  S.C. Political Director Abe Jenkins invited me to a roundtable discussion on…

By Barney Blakeney I was struck by the outcome of the November 5 municipal elections in Charleston and North Charleston. They signaled changes occurring right in front of our faces – reminded me of the old Buddy Miles song. The Charleston City Council District 3 election resulted in an upset victory for Jason Sakran who…

By Barney Blakeney I find so much upsetting about the November 5 municipal elections in Charleston and North Charleston it’s hard to focus on one thing. Voting was low; only about 12,000 of about 64,000 registered voters cast ballots in North Charleston. Charleston voters showed up in higher numbers, about 26,000 of about 99,000 registered…

By Barney Blakeney I knew when I decided to write the column about support for Charleston County School District Superintendent Gerrita Postlewait I was flying into flak. The hits came almost immediately. One guy said I’m no ally of Black folks regarding public education. Another guy said the message wasn’t clear and asked if I’d…

By Barney Blakeney I was talking to a friend digging up a story. He asked, whatever I did, don’t mention how much assistance Charleston County School District Superintendent Gerrita Postlewait gives to Black folk’s initiatives. He didn’t want to stir up political wrath against her. Like any good reporter, I always try to accommodate my…