The first Black mayor in the town of Summerton, South Carolina, died in a car crash. Tony Junious died on Jan. 27 after succumbing to his injuries at a local hospital.
The 48-year-old was driving on the morning of Jan. 27 when another car collided with his vehicle at an intersection. Junious’ car fell into a ditch, and the mayor was transported to the nearest hospital in Clarendon County. The other driver was taken
to the hospital as well and was treated for non-fatal injuries, People magazine reported.Junious made history in Summerton in 2022 after being elected the town’s first-ever Black mayor. The town has a population of 800, and Black residents hold a slight majority, over 52%, as of the 2020 census.
Upon the news of Junious’ death, the town’s official Facebook account released a statement on the loss of their “beloved” mayor, noting how he was “dedicated to public service.”
Alongside this, Clarendon County School District shared a press release honoring his work in the community.
“Mayor Junious served on several Clarendon County School Boards (Clarendon 1, Clarendon 4, Clarendon Consolidated Board) for a total of over 20 years until becoming Summerton’s first African American mayor in 2022,” the press release read. “During his time on the Clarendon County School Boards,
Mayor Junious championed numerous initiatives that significantly enhanced the district’s quality of education and student life. His passion for educational excellence, equity, and community engagement was evident in every decision and action he took.”Superintendent Dr. Shawn Johnson continued these sentiments in a personal message within the statement, speaking on his legacy toward bettering the lives of his constituents.
“We have lost a remarkable individual, but his legacy will continue to inspire us all through the completion of projects he fought for in the Summerton community,” said Johnson. “Our hearts go out to his family during this difficult time.”
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