DENMARK, S.C. -  Danny Glover, acclaimed actor and political activist, campaigned for Democratic presidential hopeful John Edwards Wednesday on the Voorhees College campus in Denmark.

His visit came amid a flurry of political activity in The T&D Region ahead of Saturday's Democratic presidential primary. Tuesday evening's visit by Sen. Barack Obama to South Carolina State University will be followed up by a visit today by former President Bill Clinton to Orangeburg. Edwards announced Orangeburg will be on his list of Friday stops, and Michelle Obama will be in Denmark on the same day.

Bill Clinton will address “Solutions for America” events in support of wife Hillary’s presidential bid. The former president will be at Gibson Commons in Lexington at 8:15 a.m.; Claflin University Dining Center in Orangeburg at 10:30 a.m.; The Colleton Center, 494 Hampton St., Walterboro, at 3 p.m. and Barnwell Primary School in Barnwell at 6 p.m.

* Obama's wife will stump for her husband at Voorhees College in Denmark on Friday. The event will be held in Massachusetts Hall Auditorium at 5 p.m. It is free and open to the public.

* Edwards announced he will be at Antley's Barbecue on Sims Street in Orangeburg at 3 p.m. Friday "to greet supporters and undecided voters." He will be joined by daughter Cate Edwards, his parents Bobbie and Wallace Edwards, and the Rev. James Blassingame.

In Denmark on Wednesday, Glover, known for his roles in the "Lethal Weapon" movies and "The Color Purple," told students and faculty who filled Massachusetts Hall auditorium that Edwards knows the issues and has solutions.

"Progress means change. I have supported John Edwards (on workers' issues). ... Change means rural development and a chance for rural children to go to college like you," Glover told the students.

Glover said he supports Edwards because of his "ability to include everyone," his specific rural health plans, his plans to address poverty and the right to choose.

"He is a person from the South that knows the issues of poverty, health care, education and other issues," Glover said.

Glover noted that in 2006 he campaigned with Edwards, "living in hotels." Glover said he and Edwards talked with many hotel workers, adding that the candidate felt the workers needed unions to improve wages and health care.

In endorsing Edwards, Glover said, "John Edwards brings everyone to the table. His words, actions and policies speak to all of us. He brings integrity, honesty and a spirit of activism that challenges each of us to do more to make this a better nation and a better world. I know him, I trust him, and I know he will be a great president."

Glover urged the students to "see your own future and actively engage in your own future."

Glover was born in San Francisco, where his parents were both postal workers and were active in the NAACP. He graduated from George Washington High School (San Francisco) before attending American University and matriculating at San Francisco State University. In his late twenties, Glover enrolled in the Black Actors Workshop at the American Conservatory Theater, a regional training program in San Francisco. He also trained with Jean Shelton at the Shelton Actors Lab in San Francisco. Among many awards, he has won five NAACP Image Awards for his achievements as an actor of color.

Dameone Ferguson Jr. of Easley, president of the Voorhees Student Government Association, said, "Students are politically aware. We make sure students are registered to vote, particularly the Greek fraternities. We take them to rallies, and students are up to speed. Mrs. Jayne Bradford in Mass Communications incorporates politics in the class and others (faculty) do, too."

June Streets of Upper Marlboro, Md., Miss Voorhees 2007-2008, also has been active in getting students registered to vote. But Streets said she still hasn't decided for whom she'll vote for president.

T&D Correspondent Bettylou R. Terry can be reached by phone at 803-793-3381.

You must be logged in to comment.