By Laura Haight
President, DWGC
South Carolina is a dangerous place to live – and getting more so every year that the General Assembly chooses to further reduce gun violence protections. We have the 6th highest rate of gun violence in the US, the 10th highest cost to society related to gun violence, and – as one might expect – some of the weakest gun laws in the country.
Monday, April 8, noon, @ The Kroc Center, 424 Westfield St., Greenville
From 2011 to 2020 alone, gun homicides jumped 92 percent. Who are the victims? African American residents, children and teens (92 die each year by gun in SC), and women (81 percent of women killed by an intimate partner were shot).
Our featured April speaker, Melody McFadden is far too familiar with these statistics and the stark, heartbreaking reality behind them. Having lost her mother, niece, and a number of close family friends to gun violence, Melody has dedicated her life to “harnessing the power from severe pain” to honor her family. She has devoted her life to “relentless service” to ensure that “the lives of the Taken, their injuries, nor their deaths are in vain.”
See Melody’s Bio
Pastor Melody Geddis McFadden daughter of Patricia Ann Geddis and Auntie of Sandy PaTrice Geddis Barnwell both taken in gun violence. Youth Leader, Mentor and Family of L’Oreal Bowman, Corey G. Glen, Enrique Louie Pruitt and Joshua McBride; all taken in senseless gun violence. Melody is the founder of Blessed Ministries, a Proud US Army Veteran, an Everytown for Gun Safety National Surrogate Speaker, a Senior Survivor Fellow, a founding member of the National Veterans Advisory Council, a Moms Demand Action’s SC Faith Outreach Lead & the SC UpState Survivor Black Caucus Lead.
In her personal capacity she is a loving Wife, a devoted Mother, an Ordained Minister, a Counselor, Coach, Mentor and she is so happy to be called by her ever growing Legacy; her treasured title – MeMe. She has chosen the blessing, by harnessing power from severe pain and purposing to honor her family, Community, State, Country and most especially, her loved ones that have been taken in senseless gun violence with a life of devoted and relentless service thereby ensuring that the lives of the Taken, their injuries, nor their deaths are in vain.
Melody will share her journey but also talk about the practical realities of the state’s new permitless carry law, why commemorations like Wear Orange Weekend (June 7-9) are so important, and what advocacy steps we can take.
Phil Ford, the campaign leader for the coordinated Priority 6 project, will also be on hand to discuss the program and how it’s going to all come together. Phil is the founder of Ford & Ford Group, a political advocacy consulting firm. The firm has become a “driving force in advancing progressive causes and promoting equitable policies throughout the state,” Phil says.
See Phil’s bio
Phil Ford is a visionary entrepreneur and passionate advocate for social justice and equity in South Carolina. As the Founder and CEO of The Ford & Ford Group, a prominent political advocacy consulting firm based in the heart of South Carolina, Phil has dedicated his career to catalyzing positive change in his home state.
With a deep-seated commitment to making South Carolina a more just and equitable place for all its residents, Phil Ford established The Ford & Ford Group as a platform to drive impactful policy changes, elevate underrepresented voices, and foster a more inclusive political landscape. Under his leadership, the firm has become a driving force in advancing progressive causes and promoting equitable policies throughout the state.
Phil’s unwavering dedication to social justice has earned him a reputation as a tireless advocate for change. He has worked tirelessly to build coalitions, forge strategic partnerships, and develop innovative advocacy campaigns that resonate with South Carolinians from all walks of life. His ability to bridge divides and find common ground among diverse stakeholders has been instrumental in driving forward his mission of building a better South Carolina.
A South Carolina native, Phil understands the unique challenges and opportunities that the state faces. His in-depth knowledge of local politics, combined with his national perspective, allows him to craft effective strategies that bring about tangible results. Whether it’s advocating for criminal justice reform, advancing food security initiatives, or championing LGBTQ+ rights, Phil Ford’s leadership has left an indelible mark on the political landscape of South Carolina.
In addition to his work with The Ford & Ford Group, Phil is an active member of various community organizations and initiatives that share his vision for a more equitable South Carolina. He continues to inspire others through his dedication, leadership, and unyielding commitment to the pursuit of justice.
Phil Ford’s relentless advocacy and strategic leadership have positioned him as a driving force for positive change in South Carolina, and his work with The Ford & Ford Group serves as a testament to his unwavering commitment to creating a brighter, more equitable future for the state and its residents.
The group’s advocacy efforts run the gamut from criminal justice reform to food security to LGBTQ+ rights.