In the world we live in, it’s a reality that skin tone plays a role in certain situations. It’s very unfortunate, but true. Some use it as an excuse when they fall short, and others use it as motivation to stimulate their rise to glory. Some are blinded by the tone of their skin and label it as a non- factor. These individuals have the mindset of succeeding and not focusing on anything else but the task at hand.
A perfect representation of the old adage “Young Gifted and Black,” is a talented man named Bakari Sellers. In 2014, Bakari Sellers was on “The Root 100” list of the nation’s most influential African Americans. Sellers has been a sought after public speaker, and has provided political and social analysis on many major national news outlets. In 2015 he joined CNN as a political commentator. He’s also a practicing attorney at Strom Law Firm.
A person would think the credentials listed are very impressive. They are eye catching but just a small portion of what Sellers has accomplished in a short period of time. Bakari’s journey started in Denmark, South Carolina. He is the son of a prominent Civil Rights Activist Cleveland Sellers, who was active in the 1960’s Civil Rights Movement, and was a leader of the student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. Sellers attended high school at Orangeburg-Wilkinson.
After graduating from high school, Sellers transitioned to Morehouse College, a private all-male, and historically black college in Atlanta, Georgia. In 2005, Sellers earned his bachelor’s degree in African-American Studies. With a college degree, and a ton of ambition, Sellers sought to make history. A year after graduating college at the tender age of 22, Bakari Sellers became the youngest Black official in the country when he was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives. He did it in stunning fashion as he defeated a 26-year incumbent.
Sellers served in SC House for eight years. Always thinking one step ahead, Bakari Sellers decided to vacate his seat, and run for Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina. He collected 41.1 percent of the vote but unfortunately it was 17.7 percent short of the eventual winner. On November 4, 2014 with 58.8 percent of the votes, Henry McMaster was elected Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina. In the four years since the election, Sellers has held many prominent positions. He’s compiled a lifetime of achievements, and he’s just 34-years old!
As a symbol of hope for young African Americans who may need to see it to believe it, Bakari Sellers is the focus of an upcoming documentary. Named after South Carolina’s state motto ‘While I Breathe, I Hope’ it provides an inside look as you get to follow Sellers on his 2014 campaign to be Lieutenant Governor. It also shows the subsequent Charleston Massacre, and the removal of the Confederate Flag. Through these experiences, the film sheds light on the challenges of race and the tone of a person’s skin. It illustrates how these challenges still permeate through much of the American South, and American Politics.
When asked about his personal goal for the film, Sellers stated,” I hope as many eyes get a chance to see it as possible. Young eyes. People who are thirsting for change, and want to be a part of it.”
In reference to the question about the current state of South Carolina, Sellers admitted South Carolina is rich in history, but remains stagnant socially, educationally, and economically.
The film’s executive producer radio host of the Breakfast Club Charlamagne tha God, is also a product of South Carolina. With the combination of the substance and inspirational value,
‘While I Breathe, I Hope’ is a must see documentary.
‘While I Breathe, I Hope’ will have its world premiere at the New Orleans Film Festival this month. The film is produced and directed by South Carolina native Emily Harrold. Additional Executive Producers include Jedd Canty, Karen Kinney, and Marco Williams. Producers include Lauren Franklin, Diane Robertson, and Xuan Vu.View the trailer below.
While I Breathe, I Hope Trailer from While I Breath, I Hope on Vimeo.
Official Website:Â https://www.bakarisellersdocumentary.com
Facebook:Â http://www.facebook.com/BakariSellersDoc
Twitter:Â @BakariDocÂ
Instagram:Â @bakarisellersdoc
