How I Go Columbia: Bakari Sellers
When Denmark, S.C., native Bakari Sellers was elected in 2006 as a state representative at age 22, he made history as the youngest African-American elected to office.
He served in that role until 2014, when he gave up his seat for an unsuccessful run at S.C. lieutenant governor. From 2007-08, Sellers served on the Obama for America state steering committee.
In February 2014, Sellers accepted a position as the honorary national co-chairman for the “Ready for Hillary” Millennial Council – a group of professionals under 40 raising money to encourage Hillary Clinton to run for president.
While all of those positions and titles have proven that Sellers is a key player on the political scene, it has been since the summer of 2015 that his name has become a household one nationwide. That’s when he accepted an offer from CNN to be a political commentator for the network. Since, the Democrat has made numerous appearances on the network from locations across the United States.
An attorney with Columbia’s Strom Law Firm since 2007, Sellers graduated from Morehouse College and the University of South Carolina School of Law. Last year, he married Ellen Rucker, a South Carolina chiropractor, co-owner of Rucker Roots hair care line and co-star of WE TV show “Love Thy Sister.”
EAT: When in Columbia, I must admit (to) dinner on the patio of Saluda’s. Enjoying scallops is the best, especially during the spring and summer months. Also a Friday lunch at Motor Supply, sitting at the high table people-watching is a must, as is the meatloaf.
PLAY: I always enjoy brunch at Liberty Tap Room on Sundays catching up with friends. I also try to catch anything and everything involving Gamecock athletics – especially basketball, baseball, football.
DRINK: Every week, usually multiple times a week, I make a stop in Good Life Cafe for a fresh smoothie or some amazing concoction that makes me feel better. My main watering hole is Kelly’s. No one asks about politics or CNN or really cares who you are. Everyone is welcome and a part of the family.
LISTEN: Tin Roof is a must, although at 31, I think I’m aging out. It caters to all types of good music for a youthful night. And who says Columbia can’t land the best acts? When a superstar is in town, the Colonial Life Arena and the Vista are rocking.
SEE: Walking around the State House looking at all of our state’s history is always a favorite thing to do; pausing and thinking of our past, remembering my friend (the late Sen.) Clem Pinckney, and believing in our future. Dum spiro spero (while I breathe, I hope).
This story was originally published April 21, 2016 at 10:15 AM with the headline "How I Go Columbia: Bakari Sellers."