Black History in the Upstate - February 2005

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* Information for this page obtained from Leroy Chapman Jr., Associate Editorial Page Editor for Greenville News Do you know of someone in the Upstate that you would like to nominate as a part of our local Black History list? If so please email us their name and contact information.

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February 10, 2005
Ralph Anderson: A voice for the voiceless

One South Carolina politician who persistently speaks truth to power is Sen. Ralph Anderson of Greenville, who has dedicated the past 23 years to public service. WJMZ salutes Sen. Anderson during Black History Month for his unwavering commitment to help poor people, especially the minorities in the inner city district he represents.

Anderson is the voice for the Upstate's neediest residents in our state capitol. Anderson's state Senate District 7 encompasses some of this county's wealthiest and poorest neighborhoods. The senator has consistently dedicated his service to those who need the most help just to get by.

It was Anderson who almost single-handedly rescued Greenville's bus system that was on the verge of collapse in mid-1990s. It is Anderson who is now leading the fight for greater support of public education and reforms geared toward helping the poorest students with the most difficulties. From his seat on the Senate Corrections and Penology Committee, Anderson has led the call to reform a state prison system that has gutted its rehabilitation programs. He has pushed the state to create programs that teach newly freed inmates job skills. He has been one of the most vocal supporters of an increase in the cigarette tax, which would stabilize a Medicaid that most poor people depend on for their health care.

Anderson was an instrumental leader in getting the Confederate flag removed from the capitol dome in Columbia. He is now one of the leaders in the fight to seat more black judges in South Carolina.

Anderson was born in Greenville in 1927. He left Greenville for Allen University and then Howard University. He spent three years in the Army before joining the Postal Service, where he became the Upstate's first African American Postmaster. He first ran for office in 1981 when he was elected to Greenville City Council. He was elected to the state House of Representatives in 1991 and he became a senator in 1997. He has easily won re-election based on a peerless track record of public service. But a major reason, too, is Anderson's commitment to be the voice for the voiceless.

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Listen weekdays during February at 7:45AM in the Tom Joyner Morning Show, and again at 12:50PM during the K. J. in the Midday Show, for McDonald's Black History Moments featuring interesting historical facts about African American history in the Upstate. McDonald's celebrates Black history 365 days a year by communicating the pride, achievement, heritage, and contributions of African Americans to American history. McDonald's, "I'm loving it."

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Read about Chief Willie Johnson

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