South Carolina fashion, music and memories hit the national stage on Wednesday when President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris took office.
The opening ceremonies, partly virtual and partly in person due to the COVID-19 pandemic, were highlighted with numerous ties and references to the State of Palmetto.
This is certainly not casual. US Representative Jim Clyburn, the Democratic majority leader in the South Carolina House, played a crucial role in Biden’s rise to the White House when he endorsed him in his home state’s presidential primaries.
After Biden’s victory in November, Clyburn was tasked with being chairman of the president-elect’s inaugural committee.
So it’s no surprise that many connections from South Carolina are on full display during Biden’s day. Here are some notable sights:
South Carolina, U.
Clyburn is a proud graduate of South Carolina State University. On opening day, he wore a spherical garnet cap with the historically black university logo.
He was seen taking a selfie with former President George W. Bush while wearing his baseball cap.
In addition, the South Carolina state martial band was chosen to perform during an opening concert of the live broadcast on Wednesday night.
“This is an important opportunity for Marching 101. We are grateful to participate in this historic event and exemplify the precision exercises and high musical performances of Marching 101,” said Patrick Moore, band director, in a statement.
Kamala Harris and Michelle Obama wear trendy SC clothes
Vice President Kamala Harris wore two clothes made by black designers, one from South Carolina.
The outfit she will wear after the inauguration ceremony, which has not yet been revealed, was made by Ridgeway native Sergio Hudson, according to her showroom manager, Kimberly Rosen.
The outfit that former First Lady Michelle Obama wore, a turtleneck, pants and jacket combined with a gold belt, was also allegedly designed by Hudson.
Ranky Tanky brings music
Ranky Tanky of Charleston announced that the band was due to perform on Wednesday night as part of the official Biden-Harris opening events.
Ranky Tanky won a 2019 Grammy for Best Regional Roots Album for “Good Time”. The album was internationally acclaimed for its Gullah-inspired sound, which brings together game songs, ecstatic and spiritual screams, as well as original songs inspired by the Gullah tradition.
The event, which will be organized by Terrence J, features Leslie Jones, Frankie Beverly, Stacey Abrams and Clyburn.
Remembering Mother Emanuel AME
After country musician Garth Brooks sang “Amazing Grace” after Biden’s oath, Senator Roy Blunt, R-Missouri, reminded the opening crowd when former President Barack Obama sang the anthem after the Charleston Emanuel Church murders in 2015 that left nine African Americans dead.
Obama’s unplanned moment to sing the anthem went viral and is widely considered to be one of the turning points of his presidency.
Blunt told the crowd that the hymn was as close as possible to “poetry and prayer”.
Reach Thomas Novelly at 843-937-5713. Follow him @TomNovelly on Twitter.