President Joe Biden will wrap up his presidency in Charleston this weekend, spending his final day in office in the city where it all began with the 2020 endorsement of Congressman Jim Clyburn.
“He is coming to thank the very community and the people who put him in the White House,” says former State Sen. Marlon Kimpson who was appointed by Biden in 2023 to serve on the U.S. Trade Advisory Committee.
Kimpson says Biden will worship at Royal Missionary Baptist Church in North Charleston Sunday and attend a reception at the International African American Museum at Gadsden’s Wharf in Charleston.
“While he will be thanking us, we will also be thanking him,” says Kimpson. “This president has done tremendous service to our state.”
Kimpson points to the Bipartisan Infrastructure law of 2021 that brought millions of dollars to our state, including the expansion of broadband allowing internet access for people in rural communities at a critical time, during the pandemic.
He also applauds the outgoing president for expanding healthcare for many who could not afford it, in particular, the American Rescue Plan that provided relief for families and workers impacted by COVID.
“All those resources enable our people to live a better quality of life,” says Kimpson.
As for what’s next with former President Donald Trump officially returning to the White House the day after Biden’s visit, Kimpson believes attacks on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs have been misplaced.
“People are hurting in our country and they’re looking for somebody to blame for their own lack of success,” he says.
“I think leveling the playing field for opportunities for those who haven’t historically had those disadvantages is not taking away from someone who thinks they’re deserving.”
As for President Biden’s message Sunday, Kimpson says, that’s anyone’s guess.
“I can say this. It’s hist last day in office and he will be speaking to the world.”
In other words, all eyes will be on Charleston.
The White House has issued a press release acknowledging the president’s visit to Charleston but has yet to include specifics.