Union, South Carolina: A Community Reflects on 30 Years of Change Since a Tragic Event
Union, South Carolina, is much like many other small towns nestled in the heart of the Palmetto State. The city’s Mayor, Harold Thompson, describes it as a place filled with “local hustle and bustle.” He considers Union to be a “progressive little town,” highlighting how residents come together to support each other. “Anytime people or an organization needs help doing anything, people don’t mind volunteering and coming in and helping you do whatever you need,” he remarked.
A Brief History: Mayor Thompson’s Journey
Thompson’s journey as mayor began in July 2008, stepping in as interim mayor after the resignation of Bruce Morgan. Morgan had been indicted on charges related to contractor kickbacks. Shortly after stepping in, Thompson was officially elected to fill the vacancy. He has spent most of his life in the Union area, even working at a local TV station during a pivotal moment in the town’s history, when it became the center of a nationwide news story.
A Chilling Memory Resurfaces
In October 1994, the town was rocked by the devastating story of Susan Smith. On October 25, she approached the McClouds, claiming a Black man had stolen her car with her two children still inside. Thompson was one of the first media personnel on the scene nine days later when Smith’s submerged car was finally retrieved from John D. Long Lake.
“He was one of my closest friends,” Thompson shared regarding the emotional toll this incident had on his community, stating that many townsfolk found themselves questioned by the police because they matched Smith’s description of the supposed kidnapper. As the town united in the frantic search for the children, Thompson recalls how the atmosphere was tense yet controlled. Even as the heartbreaking truth emerged—that Smith had been responsible for her children’s deaths—most of the community kept their composure.
Community Tensions and Understanding
“It could have been a race thing,” Thompson reflected. “But you know, deep down inside, most Black people knew that it wasn’t a Black person that would probably do something like that.” He emphasized the importance of communication and trust, suggesting that clearer explanations from law enforcement regarding the frantic search efforts would have alleviated some of the tension felt in the community. The impact of Smith’s actions lingered far beyond the immediate tragedy, forging a challenging narrative that residents have lived with since.
Looking Back at the Legacy of Susan Smith
Three decades later, the shadow of Susan Smith’s actions still looms large in Union. “It’s a part of what’s happened, you know,” Thompson said, noting that the incident has often overshadowed other issues the town has faced, including local corruption scandals. “I think it’s gotten more attention than the corruption that we had with people stealing money from the town.”
Upcoming Parole Hearing for Susan Smith
As it stands today, the circumstances surrounding Susan Smith’s case are set to come back into focus. She is eligible for parole, with her hearing scheduled for November 20, 2024. Smith currently remains incarcerated at Leath Correctional Institute in Greenwood, SC. It’s estimated that individuals attending the hearing will join virtually, underscoring how the story that once captivated national headlines continues to resonate in the hearts of those in Union.
The tale of Union, defined by both its resilience and its trials, showcases a community that has come together in times of desperate need while grappling with the lasting impacts of historical events. The past may shape the present, but in Union, the spirit of community remains strong.
