EUTAWVILLE, S.C. - In a dimly lit room, as ceiling fans circulated the heat of summer, members of the Eutawville Chapter of the NAACP were organizing.

In the first of several planned town hall meetings, community members, about a dozen or so, gathered at the Masonic Lodge in Eutawville last week to voice concerns. The Eutawville chapter organized the meeting so members of the community would have an opportunity to voice concerns to a panel, which included the executive director of the state NAACP.

The meeting comes on the heels of allegations against the town's police department and judge after a man was erroneously sent to jail for three days for having an elevated vehicle. The national branch of the NAACP has appointed an attorney in that case.

"This is our first community town hall meeting," said Jean Davis-Capers, president of the Eutawville chapter. "The purpose is to discuss how to reshape public policy."

The forum was also open to discuss other community issues such as illegal traffic stops and youth and gang violence. Joining Dwight James, South Carolina executive director of the NAACP, on the panel were Orangeburg NAACP President William Wilson and Horace James of the Eutawville chapter. Called a "Possible Solution Panel," the three men heard complaints ranging from alleged harassment by the town's police to annexation issues charging that nearly all blacks live outside the town limits and a lack of opportunity to be represented on the town council.

After listening to the complaints, officials from the NAACP warned that if community members wanted representation from the NAACP, they will have to get statements in writing and the NAACP will have to research the claims.

"I suggest more community meetings to find out, one, what do we want?" James said. "They've taken the town, and now it's time to take it back. Two, determine if you are going to fight for it. The NAACP can do what it can but we've got to have people on the ground -- young, old and in between."

Wilson called the complaints he heard "primitive behavior" and urged the group to really come together.

"They are going on one of the major premises -- that black folk will not stick together. We are here to help, but you have to be ready for help and commit yourselves to protecting those rights."

Possible solutions suggested included starting petitions, joining the NAACP for support, finding community members to sit on committees and get involved.

"You should have additional meetings for brainstorming, find out what you want in your town," James said. "Find out what people are thinking."

"You want representation?" Wilson said. "When you get the power to vote, you have to use it."

Both men urged patience from all.

The next Town Hall Meeting is planned at the end of September. The Eutawville NAACP meets at 4 p.m. each second Sunday of the month.

T&D Special Assignments Writer Charlene Slaughter can be reached by e-mail at cslaughter@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-533-5127. Discuss this and other stories online at TheT&D.com.

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