Senator Devine Partners with Pathways to Possibilities to Give Returning Citizens a Fresh Start
- CUBNSC
- Jul 31
- 4 min read
By Javar Juarez
Columbia, SC — On Thursday, Senator Tameika Isaac Devine partnered with Pathways to Possibilities and One Common Cause to host a groundbreaking reentry and resource fair designed to provide previously incarcerated individuals with a real chance at rebuilding their lives. The event, held at Eau Claire High School, drew an overwhelming turnout from across Richland County and beyond, as residents crowded the venue to connect with dozens of vendors ranging from state agencies to potential employers.
Among those present were the Office of the Fifth Circuit Solicitor Byron Gibson, the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services, Benedict College, SCDEW, SC Works, and a range of businesses offering employment opportunities.
Senator Devine: A Fresh Start! Action, Not Just Information
Speaking with CUBN, Senator Devine said she was “overwhelmed by the turnout”, emphasizing that the event was designed to provide actionable support rather than just information.
“It’s great to have a job fair for returning citizens, but there are so many barriers and obstacles—most of them tied to lack of information or knowing where to go,” Devine explained.
“Today, people were able to get expungement applications, talk directly to employers, and even walk away with job interviews. This is about creating a safe space where people know they are not alone.”
Devine pledged to hold the event at least twice a year, noting that the need is great and must be matched with consistent opportunities.
Solicitor Byron Gibson: Second Chances Through Justice
Fifth Circuit Solicitor Byron Gibson, who oversees Richland and Kershaw counties, underscored why his office was present.
“Our oath as solicitors is to be ministers of justice,” Gibson told CUBN. “Yes, part of our job is prosecuting and sentencing. But another part is ensuring people understand that the law allows for second chances. Expungements, pardons, mentorship—these are tools to help people move forward.”
Gibson’s office fielded questions about the difference between expungements and pardons, and provided attendees with direct guidance on how to start the process of clearing their records and achieving a fresh start.
Young Voices: “We Just Want a Fair Shot”
Perhaps most moving were the voices of young attendees who shared their frustrations and hopes.
Laquinton Miller, 23 a certified roofer, said despite completing training, interviews often ended in disappointment:
“When I walked into the interview room, nobody looked like me. I knew what I was doing, I was qualified, but I never heard back. It’s discouraging when you’re trying to do right,” Miller said. “I’ve been out of trouble for seven years, no violent record, but it feels like my appearance alone is the barrier. I’m even considering starting my own business just so people like me can work.”
Myisha Bates with the nonprofit Persevere described how her program trains incarcerated women in computer coding at Luther Prison in Greenwood:
“We’ve taught over 50 women so far—100% of them employed upon release. But beyond skills, they need transitional living, family support, and mentorship. Some of these women entered prison at 16 or 17 and came out decades later having never filed taxes or used modern technology.”
Councilman Derrek Pugh: Eliminating Roadblocks
Richland County Council Vice Chair Derrek Pugh praised the initiative and spoke about the realities many face.
“Too many people come out of prison, go to job interviews, and the door gets slammed in their face. That’s when folks end up back in jail. My job is to eliminate roadblocks and give them exposure so they can become productive citizens,” Pugh said. “We’ve got to open more second-chance opportunities—because that’s the workforce we need.”
He shared the story of his college-educated nephew who chose gig work over a traditional career:
“Why work 30 years for a company just to retire and still need Walmart to make ends meet? Young people today want freedom and flexibility to build their own paths.”
A Community Ready to Build Again
What emerged from the event was a clear message: South Carolina cannot afford to discard the talents and aspirations of its returning citizens. As Senator Devine noted, the stigma attached to a record often overshadows the truth—“
Just because someone made a mistake doesn’t mean they aren’t a good worker.”
With state agencies, nonprofits, and local businesses working together, this event provided more than hope; it offered tangible steps toward a second chance.
For Laquinton Miller, Myisha Bates’ coding graduates, and the dozens of others who came through the doors, the Pathways to Possibilities fair was not just a program. It was proof that Columbia is ready to bet on its people again.
If you or someone you know is interested in having their background expunged or pardoned please visit:
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