Social activist and 2020 Winthrop University alumna, Shannon Dainiele Barber, passed away on June 16. She began attending Winthrop University in 2016 and majored in political science and minored in women’s and gender studies.
“Shannon was the typical Winthrop student in that she was anything but typical,” Dan Mahony, the former Winthrop University president, said.
The day after her passing, Mahony created a Facebook post indicating his respect and admiration forBarber.
“Many of us go into higher education to inspire students, but quickly learn that they more often inspire
us,” he wrote.
John Holder, a political science professor, shared his appreciation for how interactive Barber was in each of his classes.
“When she discussed things with people, she was there to educate them, not attack them,” Holder said.
Holder had six classes with Barber, which allowed them to become closer throughout her time in the political science program. They both participated in political activism on and off campus through actions such as canvassing for democratic candidates and supporting voter registration.
“We used to joke about how many boxes she checked off on a diversity checklist. Race, sex, religion, orientation, disability and so on, but every one of those boxes seriously represented a fight that Shannon had to fight every day of her life. And watching her fight those fights has taught me things I would never have learned from my own position in life,” Holder said at Barber’s funeral.
Barber’s ideals and passions touched the life of Jennifer Disney, a political science and gender studies professor, as well. Similarly to Holder, Disney not only viewed her as an excellent student, but also as a compassionate friend.
“She fought tirelessly for people who felt marginalized or left out on a variety of levels, whether it be race, class, gender or sexuality. She was a fierce fighter for justice,” Disney said.
Throughout her college experience, Barber’s active involvement in her classes birthed friendships with other students like Ian Baird. Baird and Barber engaged in active discussions over politics and
their beliefs, never out of malice, but rather to further understand one another.
“Having Shannon in my life felt like having a family member who was always willing to lend a hand, talk through difficult situations with, someone to laugh with and someone to cry with,” Baird said.
Another student Barber became closer to during her time at Winthrop was Nathan Crunkilton, a Winthrop
alumnus.
Through their friendship, Barber and Crunkilton became partners in activism, participating in events such as the Jaden Smith for Governor
campaign.
“Shannon wanted to make the world a more equal and just place,” Crunkilton said.
Over the course of her college career, Barber became the president of the College of Democrats at Winthrop University. She also became the vice president and the membership director for the College of Democrats for South Carolina. She helped coordinate presidential candidate visits, including Kamala Harris and Cory Booker, as well as introduced Pete Buttigieg on stage during his visit.
The passing of Barber leaves an everlasting impact on Winthrop and everyone who knew her. Her achievements in political activism are praised by not only the political science department, but the whole university as well.
“She fought passionately for what she believed in, and she was a profoundly good person,” Holder said.
As long as the Winthrop community and those who remember her continue to strive for an equal and just world, Barber’s legacy will live on.
Photos courtesy of Jennifer Disney, Dan Mahony and John Holder.
