Washington commits over 40 years of extension career to helping Hampton County youth, families and small farmers
| Special to The Guardian
Washington commits over 40 years of extension career to helping Hampton County youth, families and small farmers
Hampton, S.C. – The SC State University 1890 Research & Extension Program recognizes one of its most dedicated change agents who has committed his career to marginalized and under-served communities in South Carolina.
Ishmel Washington, regional director for the Low Country region, has dedicated more than 40 years to elevating the lives of citizens from Hampton County and its surrounding region.
“This has never been a job,” said Washington. “With 1890, I am able to achieve what I’ve always wanted to do and that’s help others.”
Known for his endless support of residents in Hampton County, helping others has been Washington’s mission since he was an adolescent. Growing up in a rural community in the 1960s during a time when African Americans struggled for justice and equality, motivated him to become a community leader.
After earning his biology degree from Claflin University, Washington began his career as a biology teacher, eventually becoming a principal in the public school system during the Civil Rights Movement when schools first became integrated. After several years, Washington transitioned to working with the S.C. Department of Social Services because he wanted to learn more about his community and how he could make a difference, he said.
Washington took the knowledge he gained as an educator and social worker to the SC State 1890 Program serving as an extension agent. For nearly five decades, he has contributed much of his time in the areas of youth development, sustainable agriculture and small farm initiatives serving Hampton, Beaufort, Colleton, Allendale and Jasper counties.
“What attracted me most to 1890 was its outreach in rural communities,” said Washington. “Coming from a small town I know what’s needed; therefore, I can focus my attention on the people who need it most.”
Since 1972 Washington has been instrumental in developing programs that would enhance children’s lives across the state of South Carolina. Without a doubt, one of the most impactful programs sponsored by 1890 Extension is Camp Harry E. Daniels, located in Elloree.
To better understand the camp’s impact in areas like Hampton County, it’s important to reflect on the nature of the country and the environment that existed in the ’70s. During this time, summers for at-risk youth meant school was out, children did not have access to after-school programs or structured activities, and in some cases, a lack of nutritional meals.
The 1890 Program sponsored a two-week summer camp experience to address these concerns, hosting up to 200 limited resources youth. Organized camping and recreational activities such as swimming, arts and crafts, gardening and enrichment courses were offered free of charge to camp participants.
Through SC State 1890’s 4-H youth development program, extension agents followed the students’ progression academically and socially once camp season ended. One of Washington’s most memorable moments in his career stems from Camp Daniels.
“As staff members, we cherish the memories of Camp Daniels,” said Washington. “Personal experiences and relationships measure the camp’s impact in local communities and is by far the most rewarding because we get to see real results from the work we put in.”
While working as a camp counselor, Washington saw the impact of his work after he instructed a cooking demonstration through the barbecue grilling and safety program. As an instructor, he taught campers how to properly use a grill and cook different meats such as beef and chicken. Two brothers that participated in the class took the training skills and applied them to real life, starting their own catering business when they became adults.
“Our children are our future so it’s a blessing to be able to witness those brothers flourish from being hungry, ambitious teens to becoming business owners and feeding communities across the state,” said Washington.
“Memories like that have a lasting impact and stick with you forever.”
Washington has also been instrumental in sustainable agriculture and natural resources development for his region. He has created many programs and projects to address the concerns that small farmers and landowners face, such as the land retention and sustainability project, which increased awareness of land ownership responsibilities, provided risk management education and initiatives and boosted production sales.
“Minorities are losing land at a tremendous rate,” he stated. “Our programs aim to help small farmers maximize on farm input and minimize on output in terms of expenses.”
From community and economic development, sustainable agriculture, youth development to education and family, nutrition and health, Washington says being an extension agent is a lifelong commitment that he is dedicated to fulfilling. Though he may not be able to fix every problem, he strives to remain a resourceful leader that addresses the needs of underserved communities.
“By working with 1890, you become a source of information. It’s not as important to know all of the information, but you should know where to find it and that’s what 1890 is all about.”
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