Lexington NAACP Freedom Fund Gala Celebrates Black Excellence, Confronts Political Crossroads
- CUBNSC
- Aug 10
- 3 min read
By Javar Juarez | Columbia Urban Broadcast Network
Lexington, SC — The Lexington Branch of the NAACP hosted its annual Freedom Fund Gala this weekend, drawing a full house for an event that celebrated both the legacy of civil rights leaders and the promise of a new generation.
Among the evening’s highlights was an interview with former South Carolina Senator Maggie Wallace Glover, a trailblazer in state politics. Senator Glover served three terms in the South Carolina House of Representatives beginning in 1986 before moving to the Senate in 1992, where she became the only Black woman — and one of just two women — in the chamber at the time. She served on key committees during her tenure, advocating fiercely for her constituents in Dillon County and across the state.
In her conversation with CUBN, Glover delivered a passionate call to action for voters.
“We’ve got the power — we’ve always had it — but we’re not using it,” Glover said. “In 2008, when we elected Barack Obama, African Americans voted at 95%. Four years later, we dropped to 92%, and we haven’t been in the 90s — or even the 80s — since. We’ve got work to do, and that means registering everyone in your house, your church, your block, your job, and making sure they get to the polls.”
The gala also shined a spotlight on 15-year-old artist Jireh Ravenell, a Richland Two student and Palmetto Center for the Arts participant whose portrait of civil rights icon Fannie Lou Hamer was featured in the evening’s silent auction. Drawing inspiration from both her family and historical Black art traditions, Ravenell described the experience of having her work displayed at such a prestigious event as “very fancy” and inspiring for her future ambitions. “I want to make bigger, better paintings… and maybe sell a little bit more,” she said .
Beyond the celebration, NAACP members spoke candidly about the political stakes in Lexington County. With multiple local and congressional races on the horizon — including the hotly contested 2nd Congressional District seat currently held by Rep. Joe Wilson — the branch is prioritizing voter education and mobilization. Conversations also touched on the pending expulsion of disgraced State Rep. RJ May, indicted this year on charges of child sexual exploitation, which could trigger a special election for House District 88.
Branch leaders made it clear that their mission extends beyond national election cycles. “Local elections shape the government in ways that directly impact the people,” one member emphasized.
From seasoned stateswomen like Maggie Glover to emerging voices like Jireh Ravenell, the Lexington NAACP Freedom Fund Gala served as a powerful reminder: the work of democracy requires both the wisdom of experience and the energy of youth.
The NAACP Lexington Branch is led by Ms. Catherine Kennedy
You can find more about the work of the Lexington Branch and connect with them directly by visiting: https://naacp-lexsc.org/about/
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