Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...by MITCHELL GUNTERCharlie Kirk’s assassination has cast a dark shadow over South Carolina and the nation as whole, heightening tensions and leaving communities grappling with grief and uncertainty. Columbia, as the heart of South Carolina’s growth and diversity, stands at a crossroads – where the choices of its City Council members will shape the city’s ability to foster unity and opportunity for all residents. This tragic event, still fresh in our collective memory, demands a response rooted in unity, compassion, and a commitment to healing. Yet, amidst this fragile moment, Columbia City Council candidate Christa Williams has chosen to amplify division through a series of deeply troubling and racist posts on social media. ***Williams’ recent X posts reveal a pattern of inflammatory and prejudiced language that targets specific racial and political groups with alarming intensity.