Removing our Blinders: Confessions of a Small Town Mayor with Bill Barnet

I am approaching my 79th year. Having been raised in upstate New York, I moved to Spartanburg 45 years ago. I was in business for many years, then served as mayor for eight years.

The city of Spartanburg (pop. 39,000) is rather unique, in that its population has historically been, and continues to be, nearly half white and half African American.

For, the past ten years I have been part of a team trying to re-envision a low wealth neighborhood with poor infrastructure, high crime and scant opportunity for upward mobility.

That is my story.

I hope to share with you lessons learned...in private and public life.

To explore with you, in a conversation, the realities of our society in 2021, and the real challenges this society presents for so many of our citizens, particularly those of color.

The lack of opportunity and restrictions on upward mobility brought about by racial inequities will not benefit any of our children. The answer lies in education, but it must be accompanied by a comprehensive, multi-generational effort.

This is my goal for our hour together. I look forward to joining you. 

Bill Barnet

Please take a few minutes before our time together to read this article by my friend Dr Russell Booker.

Want to know more about Bill? Read his bio on The Duke Endowment Trustee page. 

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