Recently, I had the honor of addressing a group of young people who I think will have a tremendous impact on the future of our great state.
Members of 4-H from across South Carolina recently came to the Statehouse as part of their State 4-H Legislative Day. I had the opportunity to speak with a select group of 4-H’ers about leadership and the late Sen. Clementa Pinckney, who, along with eight others, was killed in June 2015 during a Bible study at Emanuel A.M.E. Church in Charleston.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said: “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?'”
That quotation resonates with me when I think of leadership and my beloved friend and relative Senator Pinckney, who also was pastor at Emanuel A.M.E. Church. He was a servant leader. Whether as pastor or senator, he always was doing for others – especially the least of us.
As I told the 4-H’ers, you can serve and lead at the same time.
That’s something I attempt to do in my role as state senator. I consider myself a public servant. But, because of my position or title, I also am considered a leader. Servant leaders are those who put the needs of others ahead of their own needs. When you do that, you help to uplift people. You also give them a sense of self-worth.
For Senator Pinckney, who was a 4-H alumnus and recipient of the 4-H Distinguished Alumni Medallion from the National 4-H Council, the roles of senator and pastor were indistinguishable. He always was helping people or seeking to empower people.
Speaking to those young people, I was encouraged because I saw a group of inspiring young leaders.
But, don’t just take my word for it. There’s actually scientific research out there that backs up what I’m saying.
According to researchers at Tufts University, 4-H’ers are nearly four times more likely to make contributions to their communities and about two times more likely to be civically active.
I like their hands-on approach to things and how 4-H’ers learn by doing. Their work makes me think of my time growing up on a farm in Marion County.
It’s those kind of lessons that my parents instilled in me as a child on the farm that I have found myself leaning on and using throughout my life. And, I often think about something my daddy said: “No one owes you anything. But, if you’re given an opportunity, do the best you can with it.”
That’s certainly my philosophy when I think of the opportunity that the folks in Senate District 30 gave me. Doing the best with that opportunity means helping people – as many as I can.
And, that’s why I am encouraged and inspired by those young people in 4-H because they lead by example.
It is an honor to serve you in Columbia, and I am grateful for your continued support. As with all matters concerning state government, I want to hear your opinions and suggestions concerning these issues. Please contact me in my Columbia office located at 608 Gressette Office Building. You can reach me, or a member of my staff in Columbia at (803) 212-6000 or by fax at (803) 212-6011. My district office is located at 2325 East Highway 76, Marion, SC 29571, the phone number is (843) 423-8237 and the fax number is (843) 431-6049. You may also email me at kentwilliams@scsenate.gov.
As always, I also want to supply you with my business phone number so that you will able to reach me easily at any time. My business phone is (843) 423-3904. Please use this information to write, call or email me with your suggestions and concerns regarding issues before the Senate and in our community.