Today we’d like to introduce you to Dwayne McMillan
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am proud to have blessed thousands every week with the selection of songs played, Touching people’s heart in countless ways, uplifting their spirits in very powerful ways. In addition to being the musician, I have helped other musicians succeed by providing advice on how to interact and choose songs people like.
Playing music provides artists with several rewards simultaneously: the instant gratification of feeling, hearing, and experience the meaning of the lyrics, the music, the combination; seeing the profound impact on the faces of the audience members, the “dance joy” felt as they move their entire bodies on the dance floor – or just tap their feet from their chairs; and the applause and words of appreciation – spoken and written. Many people have literally been brought to tears! Some say it was the best and most meaningful experience they have had in a very long time. They start dancing, laughing, and demonstrating their festive moods! Kids, teens, adults, black, white, green, and yellow – the music touches all ethnicities.
Currently a resident of Greenville, South Carolina. Dwayne studied Business Administration at York College in York, Pennsylvania.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Even though I bless an entire community, there have been people at City Hall in Greenville SC that have made it hard for me!
They took my performance permit away about two years ago for no good reason at all. I believe I was being targeted for unjust reasons. They have said people were calling and complaining about volume. While this may have been true on occasion, I believe it was being used as a reason to revoke my performance permit.
The first time my permit was taken I knew it was unfair but I didn’t say anything. Part of my livelihood was diminished when this happened! However I took my show on the road and started busking in different cities and states! The results were phenomenal because I discovered my God given talents were accepted, appreciated and rewarded accordingly! Certainly this proved itself to be a spirit of reciprocity everywhere I went to perform music.
The second time my permit was taken it was stated that I did not come in a timely manner to a meeting that City Hall set for me to attend. Keep in mind no time frame was set for me to come. It was yet another meeting to discuss volume and length of time. Performances are supposed to be one hour in length. However none of the other performers stay an hour and why was City Hall so adamant about this being a problem? Also keep in mind that none of the other street performers were being held to this standard. I noticed other street performers playing all day in one spot!
The only reason it took me so long to attend this meeting. I was waiting on someone to attend the meeting with me and take copious notes. Therefore I got the president of the NAACP, Bishop Zimmerman to attend. During this meeting it was stated that my permit was being revoked because I did not contact them in a timely manner! This was unbelievable! During this meeting I informed them that I was being singled out and treated unfairly! In addition, I told them I planned to fight their decision which was made by Cameron Campbell.
I hired attorney Mary R Miller out of Columbia South Carolina. Cameron Campbell who revoked my permit lied to cover up her justification for revoking my permit! She said someone called in and complained about me and my volume was to loud. In fact it was her that told me in person that my volume was too loud and consider this a verbal warning! Since all of this has taken place I make sure my volume is at a level where people 20 feet away can have normal conversations! Just last week I was shutdown by Kamara Sittion who is a new black young girl that has no clue as to what is really going on. How can anyone call from buildings that’s far away and complain about my volume? Especially when it is set to the appropriate levels where conversations can be held at 20 feet away? This is in writing and apart of their own policy! Lastly, all these folks at City that have problems with my music but don’t listen to it! Mostly everyone else that listens to my music loves it!
My permit was restored because they knew it was wrong to revoke it in the first place! Although I pray everyday for peace and better working relationships with these folks at City Hall in Greenville SC, they still come at me every chance they get! For example during the Christmas Market I normally play at the bohemian Hotel where they have vendors setup. City Hall called the police on me. The reason I know is the officer told me. Even some of the police officers have said “I don’t see why anyone would complain about what you’re doing”! (This comment came from officer Rami Kouzeili)
Although I have a heavy cross to bear I keep playing my music because so many people are being blessed and have a good time! The letters, texts, and emails I have received during the last seven years have all been a testament to that! I feel this is a common practice with City Hall because they have done and taken similar actions with other black street performers that happen to be extremely talented. I know one of the performers and the other I heard about and placed a call to hear it all for myself!
I have taken time to research the city of Greenville SC! What I found out was shocking to say the lest! I’m reading a book called Wicked Greenville by Jennifer Story! It tells about how white men fought against themselves for money and power! It’s was alarming how they killed and murdered one another! I’ve also read a book about the story of Josh White called Society Blues! It’s about a very popular guitarist and story teller who was popular in the 1930’s and 40’s! It speaks of how his father was beaten by white men simply because he ask one of them to take off his hat in his house! The story of how this man was treated was breathtaking! Fortunately, I had the esteemed pleasure to play the guitar in a play with the New South Carolina Play theater last year that was centered around the life of Josh White from Greenville SC! It was such a glory and honor because although I had not experienced nearly what Josh Whites entire family went through, the racial injustice still was showing its ugly face!
Please listen and hear what David Brooks has to say about Greenville SC! I love his open minded approach and the way he doesn’t take sides but instead speaks the truth with room for reconciliation, forgiveness, and improvement It’s powerful! David Brooks is a well known scholar all over the world!
I will continue to do the right things and follow policy. My attorney wants to sue because said says I have a good case. I don’t want to sue unless it’s absolutely necessary! I rather continue to be a blessing to the Greenville SC community for as long as possible! However, I pray that Cameron Campbell, and Will Young who is now the director of Parks and Recreation are exposed for the world to see and know who they are and the unjust actions they have perpetuated against good people of color! Lastly, I would like to see better working relationships with ALL street performers and City Hall! We should all be on the same team! Not once have the city of Greenville given me any sound advice on anything! They could have but chosen to only deal with revoking my permit! I met a city attorney by the name of Leigh B. Paoletti! Her and her husband were dinning at Soby’s restaurant in downtown Greenville while I was busking across the street! She came over introduced herself and gave me some really good advice that I have used daily! These are the type people we need working at City Hall in downtown Greenville! People with compassion, understanding, integrity, and professionalism! Greenville has become a better place to live and work. However they must not let a few bad and rotten apples spoil the entire bunch!
Dwayne D’Mac McMillan
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As a resident of Greenville, South Carolina, I perform throughout the city, including serving: as the lead guitarist at Word of Faith Family Worship Cathedral for nine years; and currently work with churches to provide ministry and support for those in our community struggling with hurts, habits, or hang-ups, who are ready to work their way through a process of recovery with others and with God.
As the owner of a local production company called RaDaQuin Music Group LLC, D&B Productions, I have established a very successful variety band called D’Mac & Friends. In addition, while living in Atlanta, I had a very successful weekly show at Hartsfield Jackson International Airport called “Just Me And My Guitar.”
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My father Marshall McMillan has been my biggest influencer! He sang in church and with gospel quartet groups! This was truly the start of my musical career!
Pricing:
- 150 / hour performance
- Travel expenses when it’s out of state. Gas, hotel, food, etc
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dwaynemcmillan.com
- Instagram: Dwmcmill
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BcpScBVZv/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwayne-dmac-mcmillan-a478b744?trk=contact-info
- Youtube: Dwmcmill
- Yelp: https://youtu.be/_bIdfHxdiuo?si=1RUMecUsP6Ed64_l
- Other: https://youtu.be/kIclFmQLEAw?si=W9kMgFF-oTE3U0fY
