Representative Wendell Gilliard Contact information

Wendell G. Gilliard, born on July 1, 1954, in Charleston, South Carolina, is an American politician, steelworker, and union official. As a Democrat, Gilliard has dedicated his career to public service and advocacy.

Early Life:

• Gilliard’s father hailed from Marion, South Carolina, and worked at the Charleston Air Force Base. Tragically, Gilliard lost his mother to an aneurysm when he was just five years old.
• He grew up on the East Side of Charleston before later moving to West Ashley at the age of seven.
• Gilliard attended Burke High School and Rivers High School, ultimately graduating from Rivers in 1973.
• His educational journey also included attending the Bell and Howell School of Technology (now known as DeVry University) and participating in the United Steelworkers of America program at Tennessee State University.

Career Highlights:

• Gilliard’s work experience includes stints as a retail store employee, a plant operator for Mobil Chemical, and later, employment with Rhodia.
• His involvement with the United Steelworkers union began when he was elected vice president of Local 863. He eventually ascended to the position of president within the union.
• In 1998, Gilliard was elected as a Charleston City Councilman, where he made significant contributions. Notably, he sponsored legislation labeling the Ku Klux Klan as a terrorist organization.
• Despite facing personal risk, Gilliard exposed unsafe working conditions while serving as a city councilman, leading to his dismissal from Rhodia.
• His commitment to public safety and infrastructure improvement remained unwavering.

South Carolina House of Representatives:

• In 2008, Gilliard ran for the South Carolina House of Representatives in the 111th district. His victory in the general election allowed him to represent parts of Charleston County.
• Over the years, he gained prominence due to his involvement in hate crime legislation following the Killing of Walter Scott in North Charleston and the tragic Charleston church massacre at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Personal Details:

• Gilliard is a devoted family man. He has three children: April Sinclair, Wendell G., and Keith Demon.
• His parents are William and Sinclair Gilliard.
• Wendell Gilliard resides in Charleston, South Carolina.

!Wendell Gilliard Image source: Wikimedia Commons

Wendell G. Gilliard’s commitment to community service and advocacy continues to shape his impactful career in South Carolina politics.