Historic First: Demetrius Chatman Sworn In as Winnsboro’s First Black Mayor
- CUBNSC
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
By Javar Juarez | CUBNSC
Winnsboro, South Carolina — a community whose roots reach deep into the 18th century — history wasn’t just remembered, it was made real. In a packed Essence Events Center, family, friends, and neighbors gathered to witness Demetrius Chatman take the oath of office, becoming the first Black mayor in the Town of Winnsboro’s long and complex story that stretches back before 1795.
Though Chatman won his election months ago, tonight’s swearing-in ceremony made it official: leadership here looks different now — and the people are ready for a new chapter.
A Town With Deep Roots
Is it a city or a town? Legally, Winnsboro is chartered as a town, not a city. According to historical records, Winnsboro was incorporated in 1785, making it one of South Carolina’s oldest municipalities — older even than the United States Constitution.
For over two centuries, leadership in Winnsboro — like so many Southern communities — reflected the racial hierarchy of its time. Fairfield County, where Winnsboro serves as county seat, was historically home to sprawling plantations that depended on enslaved labor. After the Civil War, Jim Crow laws, intimidation, and voter suppression kept Black residents from holding power, despite Fairfield County being a majority-Black community for much of its history. The legacy of this injustice shaped generations.
Demetrius Chatman: A Community Answers the Call
Mayor Demetrius Chatman, who has served faithfully on Winnsboro’s Town Council for seven years, ran a campaign focused on responsible growth, revitalization, and community unity. His official platform calls for renewed Main Street storefronts, fair housing, support for youth and seniors, and economic development that lifts up everyone.
Tonight’s swearing-in was more than a ceremony. It was a celebration — and a declaration that the residents of Winnsboro are ready for representation that truly looks like them.
Standing alongside Chatman were two newly elected council members — also sworn in to serve alongside their mayor Janice Bartell-Prather and Councilman Jae Burroughs. Together, they symbolize the fresh leadership so many here have long waited to see.
Voices of Encouragement
South Carolina State Representative Annie E. McDaniel, who represents parts of Fairfield, Richland, and Kershaw counties, fired up the room with her remarks:
“First, let me give honor to God — that’s what I do first. Now let me say this: tonight, we stand here with our mayor — y’all’s mayor — God’s mayor! We know he’s going to do what needs to be done. He’s going to turn Fairfield County around. He’s going to turn Winnsboro around. But he can’t do it alone — he’s got this new council and he’s got you.
And let me remind you — down at the State House, we see a lot. We fight a lot. And every chance I get, I remind folks: if you’re not registered to vote, you see me tonight. I don’t care what party you’re in — if you care about change, you better vote. If you want Winnsboro to be what it can be — places to go, things to do, families thriving — we have to vote and elect the right people. That’s how we make America great. That’s how we make South Carolina great. That’s how we make Winnsboro shine again.”
McDaniel’s words drew laughter, cheers, and plenty of amens — but her message was clear: real change only happens when people stay registered, show up, and vote for leaders who truly represent them.
Dylan Paul, President of the Fairfield County Chamber of Commerce, also spoke about the road ahead:
“We talked during his campaign and now that he’s sworn in, I know progress is about to be made. From empty storefronts to affordable housing and job opportunities — the status quo is over with.”
Chatman’s father, whose remarks were among the night’s most touching moments, beamed with pride:
“I wasn’t prepared for this, but I stand here tonight as the proudest father in Fairfield County — in Winnsboro. Y’all made this happen. You got out there and voted, just like we always say we’re gonna do. And you did it. So thank you. And to my son — I know you. I know you’re gonna do good. You’re not gonna be no pushover. You’re gonna speak up and do what’s right. And I’m proud of you.”
Hosted by a Best Friend — Supported by Many
Tonight’s swearing-in was hosted by Chatman’s best friend, Demar Roberts of Memphis, Tennessee — showing just how deeply community and family roots run in this victory.
Among the crowd were Black leaders from across the Midlands, including Newberry City Council members Carlton Kinard, and Jackie Holmes, and Blythewood Mayor Sloan Griffin, who is helping guide his own town through massive change as Scout Motors brings electric vehicle production to the region. Looming over that progress, though, is national politics — including moves in Congress and by Donald Trump to roll back federal EV tax credits that projects like Scout depend on to stay competitive.
But tonight was never about Washington. It was about Winnsboro — its people, its promise, and a commitment to build something new together.
A Town’s Story — And Its Future
Winnsboro has a rich history. Its prosperity in the 19th and early 20th centuries came from cotton plantations, railroads, and later textile mills. Like many rural Southern towns, it has faced tough times as those industries closed or moved overseas. Main Street, once bustling, now tells a story of both challenges and opportunities waiting to be seized.
Tonight’s celebration proves the people here are ready to answer that call — to see Main Street thrive again, to create jobs that reach every resident, and to ensure future generations grow up knowing this place belongs to them.
A Night of Black Excellence
Tonight was nothing short of Black excellence. It was local democracy, spiritual conviction, and community pride wrapped into one historic moment.
As Fairfield County looks ahead, the CUBNSC remains committed to ensuring that every South Carolinian’ voice is heard — loud, clear, and strong.
Congratulations, Mayor Demetrius Chatman. The Town of Winnsboro made history tonight — and the work is just getting started.
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