Letter to the editor: Blassingame should reconsider vote denying business licenses to those convicted of crime

Please pass this message to Ward 2 Rev. James Blassingame. Since 2020 I have made every professional attempt to schedule a sit down with him in reference to the current state of Black and minority-owned businesses in Sumter without success. I have invited him to our beloved alama mater Morris College to attend and or visit our annual minority procurement program, with no success. Had he come out to Morris College this year he would have learned how our partners at Truist and South State Bank work with felons who have successfully reentered society within two years of their release. Had he attended our Minority Procurement Program he could have spoken with folks from the senators' office or the federal government on the programs they have that work for felons who have successfully served their service to society for their crimes and are now back or perhaps for the first time into the business world, legally, and most importantly successfully.

As a child, I walked alongside my grandfather, Carl Holmes, who was recognized by the House of Representatives for his work in civil rights, through the business districts and political arena when he was monumental in creating single-member voting districts so that folks like yourself could be elected, and I am shocked that this is the result. After reading The Sumter Item on Dec. 14, I became very discouraged by the political games being played. At a time when the cost of living is higher than normal and inflation is prevalent, a FOIA request revealed that you did not share the same sentiments as my dear friend County Councilman Carlton Washington, as Carlton would never vote to approve the motion to pass such a discriminatory ordinance that denies felons who have successfully reentered society to be denied the right to obtain a business license. Councilman Washington has been on record stating his stance against discussions of such an ordinance in the county before one has even been officially introduced to the county council floor. Many folks reenter society in debt due to their absence and cannot afford to work at a low-wage job, so they opt to start a business to provide for their families. A right that you voted to take away in the City of Sumter. Imagine serving time in SCDC, obtaining a college degree in business administration or management as a part of reentry programs, only to learn that your hard work to reenter society won't be honored for 10 years in Sumter.

Councilman Blassingame and fellow alumni, I urge you to reconsider your vote and consider the unintended consequences and burden your vote has placed on families in the city and county of Sumter.

I am paraphrasing, but doesn't the Bible say that we should be fighting for the least of these?

DR. ELAYNE BRUNSON, B.S. h.c.

Sumter