Wellford Stands Against Hate
In a heartening move, Wellford, South Carolina has raised the banner high against hate crimes. Despite the lack of statewide hate crime laws in South Carolina, Wellford is among a growing number of cities in the Palmetto state taking things into their own hands. Greenville and Beaufort are also members of this league, proudly standing together, putting down hate crimes.
On a recent Tuesday, the city council members banded together to unanimously pass Ordinance 2024-0806-01. So, what’s so special about this? The ordinance manifestly establishes penalties for hate crimes.
What This Means for Wellford
If you’re wondering what the ordinance would mean for those who commit a hate crime within city limits, here’s your answer. Those found guilty could face as many as 30 days in jail, a fine of up to $500, mandatory counseling or therapy. It doesn’t end there, other forms of restitution to the victim could also be in the pipeline. Yes, hate crime would be categorized as a misdemeanor in Wellford, a small but significant victory.
“This particular ordinance seems like it would just have an additional element of punishment. An additional fine, potentially extra prison time on top of whatever the fine or prison time imposed for the underlying crime,” expressed Spartanburg-based lawyer Tyler Rody.
According to Sydney Tyson, Wellford Police Clerk and Victim Advocate, behind the scenes, the city had been pushing for this for years. “We have such a diverse community, and we feel it’s in the best interests of the citizens, visitors, and future residents to protect them with this provision,” affirmed Tyson with unmistakable conviction.
Hope for the Future
Earlier in the year, possibilities of a statewide law were burgeoning with the Clementa C. Pickney Hate Crimes Act introduced in 2023. However, it fell short, not making past the senate, which consequently led cities like Beaufort and Wellford to step up.
Reflecting on her own experiences, Wellford city council member Glenna Holcombe, who identifies as African American, shared, “As a child, I walked home while children spat on me, slinging racial slurs from the bus. I grew up surrounded by pervasive hatred and knew things had to change.”
After spending two decades as a social worker in Staten Island, New York, Holcombe returned to her hometown, ready to initiate the change she had witnessed. “My grandmother would always tell me, ‘Remember, you’re no better than the next man, and the next man is no better than you,’,” holds true to Holcombe’s belief system to this day.
In conclusion, though the ripple of change initiated by the likes of Wellford, Greenville, and Beaufort is small, the hope remains. Obliterating the landscape of hate crime in South Carolina is no small feat, but these cities are a testament that change begins at home, one step at a time.
