electrician in Richburg, SC

Ronald Calhoun was front and center when it was time to take a picture in front of the marker recognizing the site of the former Cayce Colored School, sitting in his walker with a host of fellow alumni behind him.

“I started first grade at the school,” the 70-year-old told the Chronicle. “Without this school, I wouldn’t be here.”

He and many other former students were in attendance Feb. 24 as a state Historical Marker was unveiled at the site, with 93-year-old Isola Calhoun, who said she was the oldest former student there, taking part as they removed the bag covering the monument.

The school, the first former all-Black school in the city to be recognized with a state marker, means a lot to the students who went there, but it’s also a reminder of the state’s segregated past.

In 1927-28, a wood-frame school house was built on the site, now occupied by Mt. Zion Church of Cayce, to house the Cayce Colored School, which served African-American residents of the city, alum Ella Rose Gladney recounted, dedicating the marker and reading the text that appears on its cast aluminum face. About 200 students attended each day until the school was expanded in 1930.

“In 1953, a 10-classroom building was built south of the old school, by then known as Cayce Negro Elementary,” Gladney read. “It was funded by the South Carolina Equalization Program, a state effort to preserve segregation by improving Black schools.”

The school was later renamed Ida A. Bull Elementary School in honor of a local teacher before being closed in the wake of desegregation in 1969.

In addition to recognizing the experiences of the students who attended the school, Cindye Richburg-Cotton, executive director of the nearby Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center, told the Chronicle it’s important to remember the finer points of what segregation looked like in local communities, reinforcing that this is a history that must not be repeated.

“Preserving the history of this school is very significant and very important,” she said, noting that it was a feeder into Lakeview School, the former segregated school that is incorporated into the center she leads.

“These weren't the only schools that existed for African Americans back in the day, and many of these schools were part of the state Equalization Program, which meant that these were funds that they received to stay separate,” Richburg-Cotton said. “It gave them money to expand their facilities to improve their facilities, but it was designed to keep them separate.

“And so for that reason, we want to preserve history so that history doesn't repeat itself. And then also to have a place where people can come and learn and grow.”

Momentum would seem to be building locally to keep adding reminders of this history. The Lakeview School recently applied to and was added to the National Register of Historic Places, and making a similar push for the Cayce Colored School was mentioned during the unveiling ceremony.

“I think it feels like a lot of momentum,” Richburg-Cotton said. “Because people hear through this forum here. They see it on television, they see it in print, and they feel inspired to want to preserve history.”

Making people feel empowered and inspired to preserve this history is key, she added, as anyone can get the ball rolling to have an aspect of history that’s important to them remembered in such a way, so long as they’re willing to be patient and work hard to see it done.

In the case of the Cayce Colored School marker, it was a collaborative effort that involved the Neriah Community Development Corporation, the Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center, Cayce Elementary Alumni, and the state Department of Archives and History.

On hand for the unveiling was Cayce Mayor Pro Tem James “Skip” Jenkins, who attended the school and has been vocal in his push for Cayce to uncover and preserve the area’s Black cemeteries, with the city currently undergoing an initiative to do just that.

“I started my education here in this school. It was the only one available for us,” he said. “It prepared all the kids from here to go to Lakeview, where we completed our education. Over the years, the school had changed names twice, but it's still standing. And that's one thing we need to be thankful for. ... Hopefully it will go on to the near future, and you can teach your kids coming along where their parents got their start from.”

Keywords

cayce colored school, lexington county history, sc segregation

GREENWOOD, S.C. —

(This article was submitted to WYFF4.com by Karen Petit, Writer, University Relations and Publications, Lander University.)

The challenges of a college math class can reduce many students to tears.

Advertisement

But when a visitor to Dr. Samuel Reed’s class at Lander University began crying, he did the unexpected. The assistant professor of math education picked up the visitor and continued teaching.

The “visitor” was Aria, the 2-month-old daughter of Peterra Richburg, a senior majoring in elementary education and a student in Reed’s class.

Lander University

A last-minute change in childcare put Richburg in a quandary. Should she stay home and miss class or go to campus? Richburg, determined to stay on track for her May 2023 graduation, put Aria in the car and headed to Lander. “I didn’t have time to let Dr. Reed know that I was bringing her with me. I was so nervous about it.”

While their arrival may have been a surprise to her classmates, the response was joyous. “They were saying, ‘there’s a baby in the class,’ ” said Richburg, who was grateful for the welcoming reception Aria received.

Recommended

Furman's dream season ends in second round of NCAA Tournament

When Aria became a bit fussy, Reed scooped her up and continued teaching so that Richburg could take notes. Aria was comforted, and the class continued.

“She was alert and looking around when Dr. Reed was holding her,” she said. “It was very sweet.”

Richburg snapped a photo and shared it on social media with the tag “Compassion In Class.” It caught the attention of people on campus and beyond.

Aria is the first baby to attend one of Reed’s classes.

“I was surprised and excited by baby Aria's visit to the class! Peterra had not brought her to class this semester, and I did not even know she was a new mom,” he said.

When Aria became fussy, “I figured we could ignore her cries until Mom returned, or I could hold her and see if I could help. So, I picked her up and continued teaching,” said Reed, who was leading a class on how to teach addition to students. “I also wanted Peterra to not feel distracted and be able to actively participate with her peers around her. Plus, who doesn't want to hold a cute baby!? Guests, especially cute babies, are always a pleasant visit.”

Lander University

The father of a 2-year-old child, Reed said, “As a parent, I think I have always had a healthy expectation that ‘my community is going to help me raise this child, right?’ I feel it would be rather hypocritical of me to not be willing to turn around and help another parent who needs a little love and compassion in the moment.”

Reed said he is very fortunate to be a faculty member at Lander and to be a member of the Lander community.

“I am not a unique Lander professor who goes out of their way to accommodate students. In fact, I am not even the first of my colleagues in the mathematics department to go viral for holding a student's baby and continuing to teach,” he said.

Reed is referring to Dr. Josie Ryan. In 2016, a photo of Ryan holding a baby during her class received national and international attention. The viral moment occurred when a student began the academic year and gave birth during the second week. Ryan asked her the new mother, Sarah Thompson, to bring the newborn to class. Sarah was hesitant at first. But a hectic day sent her and son, Isaiah, to class. Ryan taught with the sleeping baby in her arms, and Isaiah went to the class on other occasions.

Richburg, a Charleston native, hopes to return to the Lowcountry and teach at Charleston Morningside Middle, where she once was a student. For now, she juggles her classes with a one-hour commute to Lander and student teaching. “I get up every morning after having no rest,” she said. “I don’t mind. Aria is my world. I love her so much.”

Will Aria return to Lander?

“Dr. Reed said that I can bring Aria back any time,” Richburg said. “I’m not sure when that will be, but maybe on a day when I’m not student teaching.”

And in another 18 years or so, maybe Aria can be a Lander Bearcat, too.

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Henry McMaster and the S.C. Department of Commerce today announced that E. & J. Gallo Winery (Gallo), a global wine and spirits company, will build a new state-of-the-art production facility and distribution center in Chester County to support future business growth and its long-term innovation plans. The $423 million investment will create 496 new jobs over the next eight years.

“Gallo’s investment will transform Chester County and contribute greatly to South Carolina’s economic prosperity. Creating a business environment in which world-class brands can grow and thrive is critical to South Carolina’s long-term economic success, especially in our rural communities,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “We are glad for their partnership and look forward to a long and fruitful relationship.”

Providing bottling and canning capacity as well as warehousing and distribution for the company’s growing portfolio of wine and spirit brands, the new South Carolina facility will allow Gallo to better meet customer demand on the East Coast, while reducing its overall carbon footprint. Given Chester County’s proximity to the Port of Charleston, this new location will also serve as a hub for Gallo’s import and export business.

“We could not be more appreciative of the collaboration and support shown by the state of South Carolina, the South Carolina Department of Commerce, and those in Chester County along with all of the public and private entities who have embraced this project throughout the planning process and have welcomed us to the community,” said Gallo CEO, Ernest J. Gallo.

Construction on the new facility is set to begin almost immediately, with the first phase of the project on track to be completed in October of 2022. Gallo is working closely with readySC to prepare for hiring and various workforce training needs. Individuals interested in joining the Gallo team should visit www.gallocareers.com/southcarolina for more information.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved job development credits related to this project. A $16 million Rural Infrastructure Fund grant was also awarded to Chester County to assist with costs of the project.

Last month, the S.C. Department of Commerce went before the Joint Bond Review Committee and the State Fiscal Accountability Authority and received authorization for $8 million in bonds to offset costs of off-site mitigation under the Economic Development Bond Act.

QUOTES

“Cheers to E. & J. Gallo Winery on today’s big announcement that the company is establishing operations in South Carolina. We often say economic development is a team sport in S.C., and this project demonstrates the true collaboration on the local and state levels and beyond. Gallo’s $423 million investment and the 496 new jobs in Chester County will transform the region. We take pride in our state’s business-friendly environment, and we welcome Gallo to our roster of world-class companies within our borders.” -Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt

“We are delighted that E. & J. Gallo selected Chester County as the home for their new East Coast operation. This is a project of regional significance, and Gallo selected us after an extensive search by J.M. Mullis Inc. They determined that our strong manufacturing base and proximity to talent were the key determining factors. Chester County is in a great strategic location along the I-77 corridor between two metros: Charlotte and Columbia. We are honored to have this company locate in Chester County.” -Chester County Council Chair Dr. Wylie Frederick

“E. & J. Gallo Winery is a first-rate, world-class, family-owned company. The city of Lancaster is thrilled to partner with E. & J. Gallo Winery and our across-the-river neighbors to bring good jobs, fine wines and spirits and economic vitality to our region.” -City of Lancaster Mayor Alston DeVenny

“The town of Fort Lawn is very excited that E. & J. Gallo Winery has chosen our area for this expansion of their operations. We are looking forward to working with them as they continue to grow and develop this distribution network. Gallo’s rich family history and sense of community are just what we need here in Fort Lawn and Chester County. E. & J. Gallo Winery has shown that they are a great neighbor and supporter of their community, and they are making a substantial investment and commitment that will benefit Fort Lawn and the surrounding region. We are confident this will help attract other companies to join in what is sure to be great things for the Fort Lawn community.” -Town of Fort Lawn Mayor Carlton Martin

“South Carolina Ports is thrilled to be an integral part of E. & J. Gallo Winery’s global supply chain. This family-owned, California-based company has seen sustainable growth with both wine and spirits. Gallo’s $423 million investment to open a wine bottling and distribution plant in Chester County relies on the ability to import through the Port of Charleston. SC Ports’ efficient operations and reliable service meet the needs of this global wine industry leader.” -SC Ports President and CEO Jim Newsome

“The proposition of the I-77 region as an ideal location for corporate investment is truly validated when E. & J. Gallo, the nation’s largest winemaker, selects it for their East Coast operations hub. Distribution will be a priority component of this expansion and fortunately the I-77 region is within a single day’s truck drive of 42% of the U.S. market, including five of the 10 fastest-growing U.S. metro areas. This location, coupled with the region’s tremendous transportation infrastructure and South Carolina’s pro-business climate, creates a truly compelling opportunity for a company’s sustainable growth.” -I-77 Alliance Interim President and CEO Christopher Finn

“The Lancaster & Chester Railroad (L&C) is thrilled to partner with E. & J. Gallo Winery, supporting the continued growth of their impressive wine and spirits business. Knowing the selection criteria for this project required access to both Class I rail networks and excellent daily service, we were pleased to help them locate a great site. Celebrating its 125-year anniversary, L&C is honored that E. & J. Gallo Winery has chosen Chester County for this generational investment. As part of the Gulf & Ohio Railways family of short lines, L&C welcomes E. & J. Gallo Winery to one of the best economic development regions on the East Coast.” -Gulf & Ohio Railways Chief Business Development Officer Matt Gedney

“Duke Energy is happy to have played a pivotal role in helping E. & J. Gallo Winery understand everything Chester County and South Carolina have to offer. For more than a century, Duke Energy has powered the state and its economy through significant business recruitment and retention efforts, and we look forward to serving our new neighbors in Fort Lawn for many years to come.” -Duke Energy South Carolina President Mike Callahan

The Richburg family is honored to celebrate the 100th birthday of patriarch Stonewall McKinney Richburg on Saturday, August 14 at Spring Valley High School. Festivities begin with a birthday drive-by at 10 a.m. and conclude with a proclamation from Richland County Council, a presentation of the Centenarian Award from the Office of Governor Henry McMaster, and anticipated remarks from Steve Benjamin, Mayor of the City of Columbia.

Stonewall McKinney Richburg was born in Tuskegee, Alabama on August 14, 1921. Richburg began serving his country upon induction into the United States Army in 1943. His first assignment was to the Columbia (SC) Army Air Base. In 1945, he completed the Army Engineer Officer Candidate School, where he was among the top ten of 91 graduates (and the only African-American) from a class of 334 candidates. He served in the Philippines during World War II from 1945-1946 and in the Korean conflict from 1951-1952. Richburg retired from the military in 1961 as Captain in the Army Reserve Corps of Engineers.

While serving in the Army, Richburg made Columbia his home and began his career as an educator in 1946. While attending church service with his future wife and her family, Richburg was introduced to Mr. C. A. Johnson, then Supervisor of Negro Schools. Shortly thereafter, Johnson offered Richburg a position at Booker T. Washington High School (“BTWHS”), a segregated school in Columbia, as its first teacher of mechanical drawing and blueprint reading. Richburg became principal of BTWHS in 1965. His seven years as principal included the beginning of desegregation and the start of the integration of Richland County schools. Public school desegregation in the state and the expansion of the University of South Carolina led to the closing of BTWHS in 1974. At that time, Richburg began working at the school district office.

Richburg retired from education in 1983, after 37 years of service in Columbia and Richland County School District One. Following his retirement, he continued to work for the district as a substitute for administrators and maintained his membership in the National Education Association, the South Carolina Education Association, the Richland County Education Association, and other professional education organizations including Phi Delta Kappa. In 2011, Richburg was one of six inductees into the district’s Hall of Fame, the highest honor bestowed upon individuals by the district’s Board of School Commissioners.

Richburg maintains membership in several organizations, to include the Booker T. Washington High School Foundation and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated. He is featured in the University of South Carolina Museum of Education’s “So Their Voices Will Never Be Forgotten” exhibition. Richburg visited the university to discuss the struggle for civil rights and the desegregation of schools in Columbia with students pursuing careers in education. Richburg is an alumnus of Columbia’s Alpha Iota Boulé of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity— the oldest African-American Greekletter fraternity.

Richburg, who is affectionately called “Stoney,” was blessed with 71 years of marriage to the late Geneva Smith, a Columbia native. Together, they share four children, eight grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren —many of whom will be participating in the birthday drive-by in Columbia to commemorate this milestone birthday and legacy.

YORK COUNTY, S.C. (CN2 NEWS) – The York County Sheriff’s Office says its investigating three inmate overdose cases.

Leaders say the overdoses occurred inside one housing unit at the York County Detention Center.

Below is the official release from the sheriff’s office.

YORK COUNTY, SC – York County Detention Officers are investigating three inmate overdose cases inside one housing unit at the York County Detention Center. Between September 7, 2022 at 11:30 p.m. and September 8, 2022 at 12:15 a.m., three inmates were found by officers unresponsive in their cells. NARCAN was immediately administered to the inmates and all were taken to local hospital facilities by EMS for further assessment and care.

The first inmate was found around 11:30 p.m. As a precaution, detention staff increased inmate well-being checks from every 30-minutes to 15-minutes. During these checks two more inmates were found unresponsive.

The initial investigation has concluded that on September 6th, information was given to detention staff about possible pills being distributed in a specific housing unit.

Working on this information, detention staff conducted a search of the suspected housing unit.

During the search, inmate Tyquan Rodriguez Green, 25, of Charlotte, NC, was attempting to dispose of 95 pressed fentanyl pills in a toilet.

Detention staff were able to retrieve the pills before they were flushed.

He was charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute a Schedule II Narcotic and Possession of Contraband.

A follow up search of the housing unit was conducted during the day on September 7th, and inmates Keon Arquis Davis, 27, of Rock Hill, and Tyler Mitchell Fesperman, 27, of Rock Hill, were found to be in possession of approximately 40 pills. Both were also charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute a Schedule II Narcotic and Possession of Contraband.

One of the inmates that overdosed on the night of September 7th, Jacob Dwayne Hall, 29, of Clover, SC, was found to be in possession of 24 pills.

Hall was charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute a Schedule II Narcotic and Possession of Contraband. Hall’s cellmate Leroy Westberry III, 30, of Rock Hill, was also charged the same. Inmate Westberry did not overdose.

The two other inmates that overdosed, Colton Lukas Haire, 25, of Fort Mill, and Trampus Keith Faile, 46, of Richburg, SC did not have additional pills in their possession and were not criminally charged.

“It is clearly disturbing as to how these pills were brought into the facility, and even more so the life-threatening risk that the inmates posed on themselves by taking such a dangerous narcotic,” said Sheriff Kevin Tolson.

After the overdose incidents another intense shake down search of the housing unit was conducted, and no additional pills or contraband were located.

“We are searching the entire facility and all inmates for any further pills,” said Tolson. “This is the first time that this large of an amount of contraband has made it past our stringent security screenings, and we will work to prevent something like this to happen again.”

It is unclear how Tyquan Green, who has been in custody at the YCDC since August 25, brought the pills into the facility. During the arrest and booking process all inmates are physically searched several times and put through a body scanner.

The pills were not discovered or seen during those searches.

Additional housing unit searches have not found any more pills.

All inmates taken to the hospital have since been returned to the YCDC. The investigation is ongoing.