W R I T I N G S A M P L E S
A COMPILATION OF VARIOUS WRITING SAMPLES FOR VARIOUS INITIATIVES
ARIEL C CASSELL, MFA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, April 21, 2020
Contact: press@herbertfielding.com
Herbert Fielding Announces Candidacy for Coroner of Charleston County
The Longtime owner of Fielding Home for Funerals has announced his bid for Charleston County Coroner
(Charleston, SC, April 21, 2020) - Today, Herbert Fielding - a lifelong resident of Charleston and co-owner of Fielding Home for Funerals - announced that he would be running for Coroner of Charleston County In 1912, the Fielding family began running the first African American owned funeral home in the area; a business that is still overseen by the Fielding family over 108 years later, now hosting a secondary location in North Charleston Throughout his adult life, Herbert has served at every level of the government from political consulting and compliance monitoring to workforce development and lastly securing employment for veterans
"In my line of work, it is my duty to be there for a family at one of the most difficult times in their lives and serve them with compassion, professionalism, and integrity. I also understand what it takes to lead an organization through a critical period of growth. I'm running for Charleton County Coroner because our citizens deserve to have a leader in the Coroner's office who understands their needs and can direct the office in meeting those needs," Fielding said.
While many well-known members of the communities of Charleston from both parties have announced their support for the veteran administrator; the Democratic legislators of the county seem to have deemed Fielding to be their pick In fact, all but one Democratic state representative in Charleston County have voiced their endorsement of Fielding for Coroner The list also includes other notable community leaders such as (D-42) Sen Marlon Kimpson and former State Senator Robert Ford; Charleston County Councilmen Teddie Pryor and Victor Rawl; as well as City Councilmembers Dudley Gregorie, Robert Mitchell, Sam Hart, Dorothy Williams, and Jerome Hayward; former Charleston Democratic Party Chairman George Tempel, and Local Activist Thomas Dixon In total, 35 community leaders across Charleston County have chosen Fielding as their pick for Charleston County Coroner
All Current Endorsers for Herbert Fielding for Charleston County Coroner
The following is an expansive list of notable community leaders from across the state that has publicly endorsed Fielding in his candidacy for Coroner
Sen. Marlon Kimpson
Fmr. Sen. Robert Ford
Rep Wendell Gilliard
Hon. Teddie Pryor
Dot Scott Rep. David Mack
Rep Robert Brown Rep JA Moore
Rep Marvin Pendarvis Rep Joe Jefferson
Hon Dorothy Williams
George Tempel
Hon Jerome Heyward
Hon Kevin Holinshed
Bobbie Rose
Chris Covert
Troy McClain, Jr
Lawrence Nathaniel
Kwadjo Campbell
Pastor Thomas Dixon
Hon Dudley Gregorie
Rev Joe Darby
Eunice “Tootsie” Holland
Brandon Upson
Melissa Bell-Lee
Hon. Victor Rawl
Bud Ferillo
Hon Sam Hart
Clay Middleton
Davis Marshall
James Lewis
Alonzo Smith
Herb Frazier
Mark Raymond
Millicent Middleton
When asked why they chose to support Fielding, there were a variety of answers - with this professionalism being a core thread among them all
"Herbert Fielding brings a level of professionalism and compassion to the Charleston County Coroner's office that no other candidate can. His industry experience and administrative expertise are what's needed to lead the Coroner's office to serve the expanding needs of our growing county. I proudly endorse Herbert Fielding for Charleston County Coroner” -County Councilman Teddie Pryor
“I endorse Herbert Fielding for Charleston County Coroner because he has more experience than anyone that has run for the position in over two decades Herbert's family business, Fielding Home for Funerals, has served our community for 108 years Herbert served as a Special Investigator in the South Carolina Attorney General's office I have seen the work that Fielding has done over the past to take care of veterans and their families when they needed it most - not just though his funeral home but through his time working for the SC Employment Security Commission All of this experience makes him the right person to lead the Coroner's office through the expansion needed to serve our growing county I'm asking everyone to join me in voting for Herbert Fielding on June 9th , ” said (D-109) Rep David Mack said
Other endorsers cite Fielding’s ability to bring the community together along with his pragmatic nature as the reason that they support his candidacy.
The Primary date for which constituents vote for Charleston County Coroner is June 9, 2020.
All media inquiries should be directed to press@herbertfielding.com.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, June 5, 2020
CONTACT: press@ampourvote.com
Amplify Action Organization Seeks to Push Progress for African American Men
The nation’s first nonprofit aimed specifically at voter registration and mobilization for Black men launches next week
(Columbia, SC, June 5, 2020) - Next Thursday, Amplify Action, the first ever initiative focused on voter registration, mobilization and education and catered specifically for Black men will be open to the public Headquartered in South Carolina, Amplify is the only 501(c)4 in the nation that is focused on cultivating the civil and political engagement for the African American male electorate This organization has shared that their vision is to “promote racial equity and set the foundation for a more fair and just America for the next generation With all the racially motivated unrest that exists in the country currently, Amplify’s Executive Director says he believes that now is the perfect time to provide support to the many people that are upset and looking for answers right now
“To reach true racial equality in America, a lot of moving parts have to work together Engaging our electorate through increased voter turnout is just one of the many ways we begin to reach equality. We have to vote in order for our elected officials to be truly representative of us and shape policies that protect us and our needs Many Black men across the country are not participatory in the voting process because they either don’t want to participate, don’t know how to or think they are not eligible, or have limited access to the polls. We plan to solve all of these problems and give a voice to an entire electorate that is not being represented accurately in our governing body currently. With this, we are seeking to bring forth transformation instead of reformation,” Brandon Upson, Amplify’s Executive Director, explained
Amplify’s outreach efforts will not stop at voter registration and mobilization They also plan to provide training so that community members can hold their elected officials accountable, foster civic engagement, and eventually, provide training and support to individuals who wish to run for office While partnering with other organizations and participating in initiatives such as the Million Man March, Amplify will also be hosting events such as town halls and virtual discussions to combat the spread of COVID-19 While Amplify will initially be active in the Southeast region of the country, it will partner with a number of organizations and outlets across the country in order to meet its goal of giving a voice to the nation’s least represented electorate
“We want to provide a holistic approach to Black men becoming a more powerful electorate,” Upson stated “Our mission is to: amplify action, access, accountability, and amplify our vote!” Upson stated
Amplify Action launches to the public on June 11, 2020. For all media inquiries, contact press@ampourvote.com. ###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, July 7, 2020
Contact: press@ampourvote.com
Amplify Action Hosts Conversation with Congresswoman Maxine Waters
The prolific Congresswoman will share her political perspective with one of the South’s newest non-profit organizations.
(Columbia, SC) - On Friday, July 10, Amplify Action will host a virtual conversation with nationally respected Congresswoman Maxine Waters Congresswoman Waters represents the 43rd Congressional District of California and has a lengthy track record of public service She currently serves as the Chair of the House Financial Services Committee and member of the Democratic National Committee
During the virtual event, Congresswoman Waters will join Amplify Action’s Executive Director Brandon Upson and Senior Advisor Jamarr Brown to share the importance of Black men in the political process and her public advocacy on critical issues facing the Black community, such as criminal justice, policing reform, affordable housing, and health care.
“We are honored to have Congresswoman Waters join Amplify Action to provide invaluable guidance to the communities we serve Congresswoman Waters has stood with and for the Black community in fighting political barriers and reducing disparities. From poverty to healthcare to education to the AIDS epidemic, she has been diligent in ensuring progress and providing a voice for our people We are so excited to have the opportunity to gain her support in our mission to uplift our community and amplify our voices,” Upson said
Previous live events have featured key political leaders, including: Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Jamie Harrison of South Carolina, Congressman G.K. Butterfield of North Carolina, Mayor Steven Reed of Montgomery, Alabama, and Tequila Johnson of the Equity Alliance in Tennessee
To join the conversation, please visit Amplify Action’s website to RSVP Once you RSVP, you will receive the virtual credentials to join the event.
VIRTUAL EVENT: A Conversation with Congresswoman Maxine Waters
DATE: Friday, July 10
TIME: 3:00pm EST/12:00pm PST
LOCATION: Amplify Action’s website and social media properties. Click here to RSVP
For all media inquiries, please contact press@ampourvote.com. ###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, February 6, 2020 CONTACT: press@tomsteyer.com
Tom Steyer Picks Up Another Endorsement from former Black Caucus Chairman Rep John King is the latest legislator to back Tom Steyer in his race for presidency.
The Tom Steyer presidential campaign has found another ally in the House of Representatives as John Richard C. King (D-49) announces his support. Since being born in Chester, SC, John noticed the need for change in his community and has been serving the state throughout his adult life in one capacity or another. After receiving his Masters’ degree in Education in 2006, his deep interest in the law led him to join the SC House of Representatives in 2009, and attend Charleston School of Law in 2014 Rep King’s dedication to South Carolina’s African American community in which he belongs is evident not only through his voting record, but also through his social justice advocacy; formerly serving as both Chairman and Vice Chairman of Region V Black Legislative Caucus, respectively
“Tom Steyer’s interest in the residents of South Carolina and their stories is what piqued my interest in him as a presidential candidate,” Rep King stated when asked why he chose to stand with Steyer “His authenticity when interacting with people of all backgrounds in conjunction with his policies on a world-class education for all, criminal justice reform, and increasing the wealth tax to benefit the average American family make me happy to announce him as my choice for the next president of the United States.”
As a current member of South Carolina’s Legislative Black Caucus and a member of the Rock Hill Branch of the NAACP, King continues to fight for equality. He currently sits on both the Ethics and Judiciary committees in South Carolina’s House of Representatives.
“Rep King’s legislative career in the state of South Carolina and his work as a voice in districts with underserved voters aligns with the 5 Human Rights that I strive to make accessible to all Americans,” Tom Steyer stated “His diverse education and career are representative of the many diverse industries and experiences of the residents of the Palmetto State Through him, the campaign hopes to have a proper introduction to the diverse community of constituents that he represents ”
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, February 6, 2020
CONTACT: tiffiany vaughnjones@tomsteyer com
New Steyer Education Plan Will Double Federal Investment in PreK-12 Education
Steyer’s plan will double match teacher pay raises and provide universal preschool (Columbia, SC, February 6, 2020) Today, presidential candidate Tom Steyer announced his plan to provide a world-class education for all, by doubling education spending and investing in the students who need it most Citing decades of underinvestment and inequities in opportunity for students of color and students from low-income families, Steyer’s plan targets education spending to equalize both learning resources and opportunities The plan provides free, universal access to high-quality preschool, charts a course for cutting the dropout rate in half by the end of Steyer’s first term, and compensates teachers as highly as skilled professionals by matching every additional dollar states and districts spend on raising teacher pay at a 2-to-1 ratio
Tom believes a budget is a statement of values and priorities South Carolina has been one of the many victims of America’s failure to invest in its educational system. The right to learn is one of the five basic rights in Tom’s 5 Rights Agenda, and he is committed to providing a free, quality public education from preschool through community college to the residents of South Carolina and all of America if elected president.
While graduation rates remain at 81 1% for the state (3 9% below the national average), 34% of tri-county schools in South Carolina are performing below average or are unsatisfactory Reports show that graduating seniors are now entering the world unprepared The need for broad reform in this sector continues to become more clear as time goes on
“Education is the cornerstone of a just, democratic, and prosperous society For too long, we have underinvested in our children and legislated inequities into the system that rob American students of the skills needed to thrive as participants in our democracy, society, and economy,” said Steyer “The smartest investment we as a society can make is in our people, and my plan will improve the quality of education every student receives regardless of zip code. Our collective prosperity is at stake here, but this is about more than just the economy - it’s also about the kind of society we want
to live in A robust democracy and a fair society demand that we act with urgency to fulfill the lost promise of our schools ”
Steyer’s plan is designed to root out the inequities that permeate the current education system, placing an emphasis on equalizing students’ access to proven contributors for success, including quality preschool and world-class educators. Steyer’s plan also addresses factors outside of school that can become hindrances to academic performance. The investments in the education system are designed to work in tandem with other major social investments and policy reforms that address child poverty, homelessness, access to health care, and the system of mass incarceration that keeps parents away from their children.
Steyer’s education plan will:
● Give teachers the pay and respect they deserve. Too many educators need to work multiple jobs to make ends meet Steyer stands with the teachers unions that have gone on strike to fight for more school resources, better learning conditions and higher pay In the White House, Steyer’s plan gives teachers a pay raise by matching 2 to 1, every dollar states and school districts spend on pay raises Teachers deserve a salary commensurate with their experience and training
● Implement free universal access to high-quality preschool. This will ensure all children are ready for kindergarten regardless of their families’ wealth or race. Steyer’s plan underscores this as an imperative step for our nation to close the achievement gap and provide equality of opportunity.
● Equalize access to a world-class education. Steyer’s plan will fund local initiatives that desegregate our schools and commit to an integrated school system Since school districts are funded mainly by property taxes, he will work to equalize investment in public schools by tripling Title 1 funding to low-income students and invest in upgrading our school facilities
● Cut the dropout rate in half by the end of his first term. He will address out-of-school barriers, such as child poverty, that hold students back He will improve instructional quality and outcomes, require states to identify a plan to raise rates, and provide tutors to struggling students
● Expand apprenticeships and workforce credentials in high school. This will ensure every graduate has a pathway to success, even if they do not go to college. This also means improving science, technology, engineering and math education to prepare students for the innovation economy.
● Freeze charter school expansion and increase accountability. The way to fix our public education system is not by working around it through charter schools or school vouchers, but by dealing directly with the challenges such as funding disparities and segregation Steyer’s plan would follow the NAACP’s recommendation to ban for-profit charter schools, and freeze federal funding for new non-profit charter schools. Under a Steyer administration, existing non-profit charter schools would be held to the same standards as traditional public schools.
Representative Leola-Robinson Simpson, an endorser of Steyer’s candidacy, said of the plan:
“As a retired educator and representative of South Carolina, it is my duty to act in the best interest of my constituents - many of whom were my former students I believe that Tom is the best candidate because he has invested time into knowing our community His comprehensive plan that includes increasing funding to underserved districts, expanding Head Start programs, and raising salaries for educators struggling to pay their bills directly benefits the communities in which I have lived and served He is the only candidate fighting for equitable education at this level in South Carolina, and I am happy to lend him my support ”
You can read more about the plan here. Press inquiries should go to tiffiany.vaughnjones@tomsteyer.com
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