I Am My Ancestors’ Wildest Dreams
“I am my ancestors’ wildest dreams” was how Antjuan Seawright referred to himself during his speech at the Fairfield County Branch of the NAACP Annual Freedom Fund Banquet. Seawright, a proud Lifetime member of the NAACP, would tell anyone that he is here because the NAACP opened doors, made ways, fought, and are still assisting those in need overcome obstacles. Mr. Seawright is the founder and CEO of Blueprint Strategy, which is a public relations advertising and political consulting firm. He is also the Senior Advisor to the South Carolina Senate Democratic Caucus. His job is to help all nineteen of the Senate Democrats in the State House with their fundraising, re-election, strategy, messaging, press, and anything that they need. Seawright has always been passionate about politics because he wants to be a part of the decisions being made that not only affect our lives, but also generations to follow.
On March 23, 2019, the NAACP held their annual Freedom Fund Banquet at the Carolina Center for Events & Conferences in Winnsboro, South Carolina. The Annual Freedom Fund Banquet was initiated as a fundraiser to increase participation with the NAACP. When asked about the theme of the banquet, Robert Davis, the NAACP President, further explained the meaning behind “Fifty years later the struggle continues.” This theme was inspired by the years following the death of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Davis explained that “We are further than we were but not as far as we could be, should be, can be.” One of the main goals of the NAACP is to increase voting registration in Fairfield County. According to Mr. Davis, less than sixty five percent of registered voters participate in elections in Fairfield County. To increase voting participation, part of the funds from the banquet will be used to sponsor voting registration. In addition, the NAACP Youth council from Fairfield Central High School joined the Fairfield County Branch of the NAACP as hosts for the banquet.
Mr. Seawright’s captivating speech at the NAACP banquet touched on poverty, work wages, taxes, and other issues occurring in South Carolina. Statistics that were mentioned by Seawright were: African Americans represent less than one-third of South Carolinian's, yet they represent sixty percent of the prison population. Additionally, the African American infant mortality rate is twice that of Whites. Given the critical state of hospitals in rural areas, Seawright shared the importance of expanding Medicaid for the neediest citizens in our state.
Mr. Seawright is currently not working on any Presidential campaigns, but he will decide very soon. As Mr. Seawright ended, he announced that he would pay the NAACP membership dues for five young people to become member of the Fairfield County NAACP Chapter. He also challenged Senator Mike Fanning and Representative Annie McDaniel to sponsor memberships as well.