Our Fellow Democrats,
Last night, Dr. Donald Fowler, former Chair of the South Carolina Democratic Party and Democratic National Committee, passed away.
Just last week the South Carolina Democratic Party Executive Committee voted to name our headquarters at 1929 Gadsden St. in Columbia after Don and Carol Fowler. We had no idea how little time we had left with Dr. Fowler, but we are incredibly grateful that we could present him with this honor while he was still with us.
Don Fowler was a giant in the Democratic Party and the nation’s body politic. Not only was he a brilliant political mind but he was a vigorous advocate for positive change in America. He fought for, mentored, and supported candidates of color before his colleagues realized it was the morally right thing to do. This tremendous loss will be felt by Democrats across our country.
When Don Fowler was your friend, he was your friend without question. He might disagree with you, but there would be no doubt he was behind you all the way. He loved South Carolina, his alma mater Wofford College, his family, his church, and the Democratic Party — but he would tell you that his greatest accomplishments were his children, Donnie and Cissy.
When we were elected officers, and were learning to navigate the complex political waters of the DNC and South Carolina as an early primary state – Don and Carol opened so many doors for us, making certain we were introduced to those making the decisions at the national level.
Don Fowler was not only a great historian — he made history. Nobody in South Carolina runs for office without first seeking the advice of Don and Carol. He was an open source of wisdom for generations of leaders in South Carolina. Even though he is gone, his legacy will be carried on by all the Democrats he helped shape.
Don Fowler’s influence will be felt by the students he inspired, the activists he fought beside, the candidates he guided, and the many acquaintances he cherished.
Carol, Donnie, and Cissy are an indelible part of the SCDP family and we speak for our entire party when we say we share in their grief. We will all miss Dr. Fowler as our leader, teacher, colleague, and friend.
Our thoughts, prayers, and love goes out to his family.
Trav Robertson, Jr.
Chair
Lessie Price
1st Vice Chair
Dr. Anthony B. Thompson Jr.
2nd Vice Chair
Jeni Atchley
3rd Vice Chair
