[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 5 (Thursday, January 8, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E18]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                       TRIBUTE TO HERBERT GADSON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 8, 2026

  Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the 
life and legacy of an educator, public servant, freedom fighter, and 
man of deep faith whose service to the people of Hollywood, South 
Carolina, and the Lowcountry of South Carolina spanned more than five 
decades. The Honorable Herbert Gadson transitioned on January 2, 2026, 
leaving behind a community forever changed by his courage and 
leadership.
  My longtime friend, Herbert Gadson, was born on September 22, 1948, 
in Charleston County, South Carolina. Reared in the close-knit 
community of Hollywood, his life was shaped early by faith, family, and 
an unshakable belief in education as the pathway to opportunity. 
Baptized at Saint Luke AME Church and later a devoted member of Wesley 
United Methodist Church, his life reflected the values instilled in him 
from childhood--service, discipline, and responsibility.
  A gifted scholar, Mr. Gadson graduated as Valedictorian of the 
Baptist Hill High School Class of 1967. At a time when barriers for 
Black students were formidable, he matriculated at South Carolina State 
University, earning both bachelor's and master's degrees in education. 
While a student there, his life was forever changed by events that 
would become known as the Orangeburg Massacre. Beaten by state police 
days earlier and later shot during the protest, Mr. Gadson survived one 
of the darkest moments of the Civil Rights Movement, carrying a bullet 
in his hip for the rest of his life. But rather than retreat, he 
emerged with a renewed commitment to justice, dignity, and public 
service.
  Education remained Herbert Gadson's first calling. For 30 years, he 
served as a teacher, administrator, and mentor in various South 
Carolina public schools. Whether in North Augusta, Johns Island, 
Wadmalaw Island, or Hollywood, he was known for firm discipline, high 
expectations, and genuine care for his students. He was more than an 
educator; he was a life coach, mentor, and a father figure to many.
  In 1983, Mr. Gadson entered public service as a write-in candidate 
for Hollywood Town Council. In 1989, he made history when he was 
elected the first African American mayor of Hollywood. He served with 
distinction until 2003. As mayor, he confronted the crack cocaine 
crisis, rebuilt infrastructure, promoted transparency in government, 
and achieved what many believed impossible--bringing water and sewer 
services to a long-neglected rural town. His leadership transformed 
Hollywood, and his legacy is permanently marked by the Herbert Gadson 
Intersection, over which hangs the town's only traffic light.
  Mr. Gadson was a devoted husband to Linda Gadson, a loving father to 
Reginald, Telley, and Shaytee, a grandfather, and a beloved friend to 
many. He served as Finance Chair and Treasurer at Wesley United 
Methodist Church and on the Parish Relations and Nominations 
Committees.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in honoring 
The Honorable Herbert Gadson--a servant of the people and a pillar of 
hope whose legacy will continue to be a source of guidance to Hollywood 
and South Carolina for generations to come.

                          ____________________