21-Year-Old Candidate has Big Birthday Plans
There is one 21 year-old who has party plans on his mind other than keg stands and rounds of drinks.
Bakari Sellers, 21, from Denmark, South Carolina announced his candidacy for the South Carolina House of Representatives less than two weeks after his 21 st birthday.
The majority of the press seems to be bias against this young candidate.
Seanna Adcox, reporter, Associated Press, said that Sellers was not even born when his opponent, 82-year-old Thomas Rhoad, first won election to the House in 1982.
J. James Fahey, Associate Professor, Communications, has similar views on Seller’s young age.
“He doesn’t have enough experience,” said Fahey. “He is not mature enough to represent the congressional district unless he is an exceptional person. And I haven’t heard of him until now, so he must not be exceptional.”
Seller’s age is not the only factor that may hurt him in this election.
If elected, Sellers will be South Carolina’s first black U.S. senator.
Fahey said the fact that Sellers is African American will be harmful to Seller’s candidacy.
“[His race will] negatively effect his chances, especially living in South Carolina, where there is underlying prejudice and bias,” said Fahey.
On the other hand, Mike L. Kramer,19, Political Science Major, Marist College said Seller’s race may benefit him.
“If any black candidates want to run for office, their best chance is through the south where half the population is black,” said Kraemer. “If 50 percent of a population is black and all you need is a simple majority to win, it would be a stretch to think that the other half is all racist. So actually, his chances are better down south.”
Sellers said the fact that he is African-American should not be an issue.“Under-performing schools and the lack of economic opportunity affect
you whether you’re black or white in my district,” said Sellers.
Sellers’ goal is to revitalize the community by working to improve schools and attract jobs.
The press digs even further to undermine Seller’s candidacy. Several articles recently published on the MSNBC website randomly mention Cleveland Sellers, Bakari Sellers father, who was the only man imprisoned in the civil rights rally in 1968 for what has become known in South Carolina as the “Orangeburg Massacre.”
Fahey questioned how relevant a mention of Sellers’ father is to the issue of his candidacy.
“[Bakari Sellers is] running, not his father,” said Fahey. The media tries to make an attachment, but he shouldn’t be held accountable. [The Press] likes to look for negatives.”
Despite the general doubt and criticism of the press, Sellers maintains a determined and motivated attitude.
“I really believe I can go into politics in South Carolina and make a change,” said Sellers. “Many people would say I’m an idealist. I don’t mind that.”
Kraemer said he was doubtful Sellers could make a change in politics.
“People have been trying to reform the same two sectors [education and unemployment] constantly and nothing has changed,” said Kraemer. “I just don’t see what a 21-year-old novice to politics could do that others couldn’t.”
Sellers is aware that his young age is a controversial topic among voters and the press. However, he said this motivates him even further.
“I definitely think it’s time for a change,” said Sellers. “My goal is to work harder than anybody else.”
Diane E. Johnson, 19, Criminal Justice Major, Marist College said that Sellers’ young age could be beneficial.
“He’ll bring new ideas,” said Johnson. “Considering that we change the president every four to eight years, for Rhoad to be running for his thirteenth term is too long of a time span. Changing things up a little may be a good thing for South Carolina.”
Despite the doubts of the majority of voters, a growing group adamantly supports Sellers.
An article appeared on-line from a group of Sellers’ supporters stating that “Some of our best politicians got started before they were even out of school, and it's exciting to see a young guy in the South going after what he wants. This is a 21 year old that has been mentored by the best and is already prepared to make his mark.”
Sellers is a first year law student at USC. He began his journey in the realm of politics by working for United States Congressman James Clyburn, Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, and the Southeastern Regional Director of the NAACP.