Theo Mitchell facts for kids

Theo Walker Mitchell was born on July 2, 1938. He is a lawyer from South Carolina. He served in the state's government from 1975 to 1995. He is known for being the first and only Black South Carolinian to be chosen by a major political party to run for Governor.

Early Life and Education

Theo Walker Mitchell was born in Greenville, South Carolina. His parents were Clyde D. Mitchell and Dothenia E. Mitchell. He grew up in a challenging home. His father moved to Newark, New Jersey, to avoid the unfair rules of segregation in the South.

After high school, Mitchell studied biology at Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee. He hoped to become a doctor. After college, he worked on cancer research in Washington, D.C.. While there, he decided to go to law school at Howard University. In 1969, Mitchell returned to South Carolina for his grandmother's funeral. He noticed that things had changed, and there were new chances for Black people to succeed.

Theo Mitchell's Political Journey

Mitchell decided to stay in South Carolina. He worked as a lawyer for the Legal Services Agency of Greenville, Inc. He first ran for a seat in the South Carolina House of Representatives in 1972 but did not win. However, two years later, in 1974, Mitchell won the election for District 23.

In 1984, Mitchell was elected to the South Carolina Senate for District 7. During his time in the Senate, he led the Senate Corrections and Penology Committee. This committee worked on issues related to prisons and justice.

Running for Governor in 1990

In 1990, Theo Mitchell made history by running for Governor of South Carolina. He was the first Black person to be nominated by a major political party for this important role.

In 1995, the South Carolina Senate voted to remove Mitchell from his position. This was because he had been found guilty of breaking some federal tax laws. He was sentenced to 90 days in jail. After his jail time, he ran in a special election to get his seat back but did not win.

Life After Politics

After leaving the Senate, Mitchell started his own law firm in Greenville. It is called Theo W. Mitchell and Associates. His firm focuses on civil rights, human rights, and criminal law. As a lawyer, he has worked on many cases to help people who are poor, in need, or senior citizens. Mitchell also serves on the board of directors for the Schiller Institute. [1]

Family Life

Theo Mitchell is married to Greta Knight. She is from Pueblo, Colorado. They have three daughters together. Both Theo and Greta are active members of the NAACP. They are also involved in the Allen Temple A.M.E. Church in Greenville. Mitchell is a member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity.

Honors and Special Recognitions

On April 23, 2025, a part of a street in Greenville was named after Theo Mitchell. This was done in a public ceremony. Important people attended, including Greenville Mayor Knox H. White. Also present were Gail Wilson, CEO of the Urban League of the Upstate, and Greenville County Councilmember Alan Mitchell.