The Water Came In, a film, was created to honor and preserve the legacy of my grandfather, Charlie Bell Wilson. He was the first Black Mayor in Sellers, a town in Marion County, South Carolina, and the second Black Mayor in the entire state. During his tenure, Wilson’s leadership of this close-knit community was seen as progressive and transformative.

Sellers was once a thriving town, home to numerous businesses that relied on its residents. However, it has been devastated by industrial losses resulting from the shift towards a global economy and unimaginable environmental devastation. In the early 1920s, Sellers had a population of around 483 residents, while in the 1960s, it reached its peak of 565 inhabitants. Today, the population stands at a mere 91, with a steady decline since the 1980s.

Studies reveal that the decline of these cities is attributed to changing demographics, the inability to adapt to a diverse economy, infrastructure failures, and limited access to capital. As Sellers grapples with record-high poverty and lacks a clear growth strategy, the community stands at a critical juncture. It faces the potential for irreparable damage and erasure from history.

These towns, once the backbone and building blocks of our nation, risk becoming extinct. They have made significant contributions to our modern society and deserve to be celebrated. While some may have forgotten about Sellers, its residents are acutely aware of their identity. This film will serve as a valuable historical document, preserving the memory of my grandfather and the people of Sellers, South Carolina.