New Day 77: Kambrell Garvin for SC House of Representatives

Dear Neighbor,     

District 77 is my home. I was born and raised here in Columbia by a single-mom who instilled the importance of education, hard work, grit and determination.  At the age of 5, I was diagnosed with a speech impediment. It was then, that my mom changed the trajectory of her career and pursued a career as a speech therapist to assist me in overcoming that challenge. As a result of her willingness to go above and beyond to assist me, today I am able to speak clearly and confidently; turning what once was a weakness into strength and in the process, discovering the power of my voice. Throughout my life, I have chosen to use my voice to be an advocate for others and it is with a profound sense of humility that I announce my candidacy to serve as your Representative for South Carolina House District 77.

As a member of this community, I have used my voice to serve as an advocate and move our district forward. As a local NAACP activist, I led efforts that registered hundreds of new voters, organized and spoke at numerous rallies and political action events on matters ranging from education to social justice. As a college student leader, I led efforts that successfully registered over 1,000 new voters, addressed voter disenfranchisement and lobbied state lawmakers to make public education funding a greater priority. For three years, I served as a South Carolina public school teacher along the I-95 corridor. As an educator, I taught my students that they were capable of achieving anything that they put their minds to and that their zip code should not limit their future success.  These experiences, have equipped me with a unique perspective and have prepared me to serve as your voice and advocate in the South Carolina House of Representatives.

After proudly graduating from the Richland One public schools, I went on to complete studies at Winthrop University, Johns Hopkins University School of Education, and am currently enrolled at the University of South Carolina School of Law. My educator wife, Monique, along with my parents, Pastor John Baxter and Dr. Sonji Garvin Baxter, are also active and invested members of this district. My 9-year old sister Sonia attends the Richland School District Two public schools, and she keeps me up-to-date on everything that’s hip.

District 77 deserves an advocate at the State House leading the way on educational equity, economic development, health care expansion, and criminal justice reform. We need a true progressive leader that will champion safer neighborhoods, higher minimum wages, and focus on much needed repairs of bridges and roads within our community. This is why I passionately believe that voters should no longer have to settle for business as usual. As your representative, I will provide regular legislative updates and keep my finger on the pulse of the community so that I can be your voice and advocate. I am running in the Democratic Primary on June 12th, 2018 to represent District 77 as an honest, result-oriented, servant-leader, who will move our district forward and carry the torch of equity and equality.

I realize that the challenges within our district and state are great; however, I believe that our best days remain ahead of us.  I would love to hear from you with any ideas, suggestions, donations or to volunteer. Together, with courage, passion and commitment, we will win this race and launch a #NewDay77.

Onward,                                                             

Kambrell

Checks can be made payable to:                     

Kambrell Garvin for S.C. House                               

P.O. Box 292434                                               

Columbia, SC 29229