Republican Nominee Shares Picture Of Himself In Blackface
A Republican Sheriff nominee took a singular method to announce his marketing campaign.
Craig Stivender is operating for sheriff of Colleton County in South Carolina and divulged a number of truths about himself that “opponents might attempt to use to tarnish” his integrity.
Amongst his truths have been getting a ticket for not having his driver’s license in his possession when he was 16, being divorced and remarried, fender benders that have been his fault, shedding his mood at work and being reprimanded for it, and carrying blackface throughout a Halloween get together.
“About 10 years in the past as a younger police officer I attended a legislation enforcement Halloween get together dressed as ruthless drug kingpin Huge ‘Meech’ Flenory,” Stivender mentioned in his marketing campaign announcement video posted on Fb.
“I did it to disparage a prison whose actions damage our neighborhood and nation,” he continued.
Black residents make up 38 % of the inhabitants in Colleton County, in accordance with the World Inhabitants Overview.
“That was a distinct time. In the present day, we perceive that kind of costume is troubling to many,” Stivender added. “To those that could also be upset, I perceive your disappointment however I worth honesty so I’m opening up my marketing campaign with transparency. That’s why you possibly can all the time depend on me to inform you the reality. That’s the cornerstone of belief.”
Within the video, Stivender, who mentioned legislation enforcement has been his ardour since he was born, additionally mentioned that his household has been within the County for over 200 years.
“My dad taught me the best way to hunt and fish in these woods and the best way to responsibly use a gun,” he mentioned.
Simply earlier than the blackface photograph appeared on the display, Stivender mentioned, “I’m not good. I’ve made errors and I want I might change a factor or two. However that’s a part of life …”
He added, “That’s why I wish to inform you at the beginning of my marketing campaign, some issues that politicians would attempt to disguise,” because the video reveals him shaking a Black man’s hand.
Stivender has had a prolonged profession within the county, first as a police officer, then a deputy with the sheriff’s division, and at last police captain with twin firefighter certification.
“It’s necessary that we’ve a sheriff that we are able to belief and that begins with being open and sincere with you the voters,” he mentioned within the video.
Stivender then laid out his marketing campaign guarantees which embody decreasing crime, controlling littering, and dealing alongside Trump “to create a safer Colleton County that combats the specter of unlawful immigrants, medication, and gangs.”
“You possibly can depend on me to defend your constitutional proper to maintain and bear arms,” he concluded. “You possibly can depend on me to pretty implement the legislation.”
