TRIBUTE TO HERBERT GADSON

On 2026-01-08, Representative James E. Clyburn (D-SC-6) delivered a floor speech titled "TRIBUTE TO HERBERT GADSON" in the House. The speech addressed taxes and also covered education, infrastructure.

TRIBUTE TO HERBERT GADSON

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 5 (Thursday, January 8, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 5 (Thursday, January 8, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E18] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] TRIBUTE TO HERBERT GADSON ______ HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN of south carolina in the house of representatives Thursday, January 8, 2026 Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the life and legacy of an educator, public servant, freedom fighter, and man of deep faith whose service to the people of Hollywood, South Carolina, and the Lowcountry of South Carolina spanned more than five decades. The Honorable Herbert Gadson transitioned on January 2, 2026, leaving behind a community forever changed by his courage and leadership. My longtime friend, Herbert Gadson, was born on September 22, 1948, in Charleston County, South Carolina. Reared in the close-knit community of Hollywood, his life was shaped early by faith, family, and an unshakable belief in education as the pathway to opportunity. Baptized at Saint Luke AME Church and later a devoted member of Wesley United Methodist Church, his life reflected the values instilled in him from childhood--service, discipline, and responsibility. A gifted scholar, Mr. Gadson graduated as Valedictorian of the Baptist Hill High School Class of 1967. At a time when barriers for Black students were formidable, he matriculated at South Carolina State University, earning both bachelor's and master's degrees in education. While a student there, his life was forever changed by events that would become known as the Orangeburg Massacre. Beaten by state police days earlier and later shot during the protest, Mr. Gadson survived one of the darkest moments of the Civil Rights Movement, carrying a bullet in his hip for the rest of his life. But rather than retreat, he emerged with a renewed commitment to justice, dignity, and public service. Education remained Herbert Gadson's first calling. For 30 years, he served as a teacher, administrator, and mentor in various South Carolina public schools. Whether in North Augusta, Johns Island, Wadmalaw Island, or Hollywood, he was known for firm discipline, high expectations, and genuine care for his students. He was more than an educator; he was a life coach, mentor, and a father figure to many. In 1983, Mr. Gadson entered public service as a write-in candidate for Hollywood Town Council. In 1989, he made history when he was elected the first African American mayor of Hollywood. He served with distinction until 2003. As mayor, he confronted the crack cocaine crisis, rebuilt infrastructure, promoted transparency in government, and achieved what many believed impossible--bringing water and sewer services to a long-neglected rural town. His leadership transformed Hollywood, and his legacy is permanently marked by the Herbert Gadson Intersection, over which hangs the town's only traffic light. Mr. Gadson was a devoted husband to Linda Gadson, a loving father to Reginald, Telley, and Shaytee, a grandfather, and a beloved friend to many. He served as Finance Chair and Treasurer at Wesley United Methodist Church and on the Parish Relations and Nominations Committees. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in honoring The Honorable Herbert Gadson--a servant of the people and a pillar of hope whose legacy will continue to be a source of guidance to Hollywood and South Carolina for generations to come. ____________________