FOCUS: In race to be a voice for the voiceless

By Toby Smith, candidate for Charleston mayor

SEPT. 7, 2015  |  I’m 315 pages into Isabel Wilkerson’s masterpiece, The Warmth of Other Suns. This saga of the Great Migration should be required reading across the board. I see my great grandparents, grandparents and parents, and better understand the economic challenges that continue to be vexing, why the pursuit of education is so very critical for minority populations, and the suffocating impact of bias, discrimination and racism. Frankly, I see myself, my life and the challenges I’ve overcome.

Smith

But that’s not the end of the story. One day, in the near future, there will be a sequel about the folks who came back “home” and found things well! We will read about how Charleston reversed the wave of gentrification, created diverse neighborhoods with a range of affordable housing options, and made childhood education a priority so that all kids could get a good job and raise a family in the communities they love. That story is pending, but it can be done and that’s why I entered the race for mayor of Charleston.

I didn’t hear any conversation about gentrification. I want to be the voice that advocates, “But wait, what’s going to happen to these families if you put a new development here? They can’t afford to live here.” I want to be voice of the low-level environmental tech who is living paycheck to paycheck, but desires a step-up job with a livable wage. We do this now at Midland Park Community Ministries: Our employment coordinator has helped nearly 30 people step up to stability. With the booming business community, auto and plane manufacturers, and the tech corridor, there is no reason that more people can’t do the same.

I didn’t hear any conversation about the communities on the edge … you know, the folks who aren’t participating in Charleston’s boom. You know them. The folks who tend to be unengaged because it appears that their voices don’t matter. I want to invite them to the table – beforehand – to discuss the decisions being made about their communities.

I have a special place in my heart for West Ashley, the WA, my term of affection. My family settled in this area when we returned from Pennsylvania in the mid-70s (that’s 1970s, smile). I’m looking forward to seeing Citadel Mall surpass her former glory. That mall was a jewel back in the day; walking through it now is just pitiful. But we can tackle that. The plans are in place; they are extensive and community-driven. I think about communities being vibrant, viable, valued and valuable. All of Charleston’s neighborhoods have a uniqueness and appeal. Think about Avondale. It’s hip, lively and energetic. I want to see the uniqueness of each neighborhood complement the whole.

I love what Charleston has become!

And, in 25 years, my girls, 6, 4 and 3, respectively, will be close to or nearing 30. I’m looking forward to hearing about their well-paying jobs, which they found in Charleston, the homes they are purchasing, in Charleston, their cool and diverse neighbors who appreciate the culture upon which Charleston was built, and the awesome school system that provides for and values all students equally.

It’s all possible and the pieces are already in place. We don’t have to start from scratch. But I need your vote and your heart on November 3. I need you to help me tackle the tough issues that impact our community, many of which are rooted in racial disparities. I want to build a foundation that will support our children, just as my parents, grandparents and great grandparents did for me. Where we are today is not the end of the story and the door is open. Let’s do this. Let’s go through it together.

Toby Smith is a nonprofit consultant and associate minister at Mount Olive Baptist Church in Union Heights. Learn more about her campaign here: http://www.tobysmith.us

EDITOR’S NOTE: Charleston Currents has offered this space to each of the Charleston mayoral candidates to share their views with readers. Click the “2015 Election” tab at top to see pieces by William Dudley Gregorie and Maurice Washington. Next week: Leon Stavrinakis, followed Sept. 21 by Ginny Deerin and Sept. 28 by John Tecklenburg.