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Herbert Gadson, former mayor of Hollywood, South Carolina, passed away on January 2, 2026, at age 77

Served as the first African American mayor of Hollywood from 1989 to 2003, graduating as valedictorian from Baptist Hill High School in 1967 and earning bachelor's (1971) and master's (1974) degrees from South Carolina State College

Survived the Orangeburg Massacre on February 8, 1968, when he was shot by police while participating in civil rights efforts to desegregate a bowling alley; the bullet remained lodged in his hip until his death

As mayor, brought water and sewer services to Hollywood in 1993 and addressed the crack cocaine crisis affecting the community

Resolution directs that a copy be presented to his surviving family, including his three children and two grandchildren