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Gullah Roots – Everything African

CHARLESTON CHRONICLE — Octavious Dowling, owner of Gullah Roots, an African clothing store in North Charleston, is really looking forward to February.

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By Patrice Smith

Octavious Dowling, owner of Gullah Roots, an African clothing store in North Charleston, is really looking forward to February.

“It’s Black History Month and a lot of people will be looking for traditional African garb to wear to all the celebrations that will take place. February will tell the direction that I can go in. Black History Month is going to tell the story,” says Dowling, who has been in his current location for less than a year. He believes God led him to this space after he struggled to a find an adequate place for his store.

Octavious Dowling, owner of Gullah Roots

[/media-credit] Octavious Dowling, owner of Gullah Roots

“Several years ago I transformed a work trailer into a mobile boutique and I would ride around to different areas to set up shop. But I always needed permission and I never could find out who to talk to. So I prayed about it and doors literally started to open up,” according to Dowling.

Gullah Roots opened its doors at 4391 Dorchester Road, Suite 180 in April 2018 and carries diverse, unique and beautiful merchandise. Dowling says he has a one stop shop.

“I actually started off selling girl’s clothing and then incorporated African wear and those sales surpassed all the others so I brought in more African attire,” he says.

Gullah Roots has suede African print jackets with matching bags and hats in rich purple, beige and black, colorful skirts with coordinating purses and items Dowling says you don’t usually see. “I have patent leather Michelle Obama print wallets and purses,” he adds.

Dowling has also created Gullah Roots Bridal and Gullah Roots Prom. “Prom season is in a few months and I have beautiful gowns and men’s wear.” Dowling says.

Gullah Roots has everything African from art to jewelry and even African drums. “And I do support several entrepreneurs that I carry in the store. One woman makes facial creams and herbal products and another lady makes African themed jewelry. I carry 10k gold custom rings made by a local jeweler. We also have a clothing line developed by some local ladies called Gullah Baby. I try to buy their products wholesale,” Dowling says.

Dowling is a bricklayer by trade and has owned Dowling Construction Company for over 25 years. “I can build whatever needs to be built and now I’m building this business. I can see the growth and potential that God has provided,” he states.

Gullah Roots is open Monday-Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. You can also find more Gullah Roots merchandise on their Facebook page. Also, a big Gullah Roots fashion show is scheduled for February 23 at 5:30 p.m. at Revelation Church Word & Deed (418 Old River Back Road) in Goose Creek. The store phone number is (843) 276-8703.

This article originally appeared in the Charleston Chronicle

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Oakland Post: Week of June 25 – July 1, 2025

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of June 25 – July 1, 2025

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Oakland Post: Week of June 18 – 24, 2025

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of June 18 – 24, 2025

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OPINION: California’s Legislature Has the Wrong Prescription for the Affordability Crisis — Gov. Newsom’s Plan Hits the Mark

Last month, Gov. Newsom included measures in his budget that would encourage greater transparency, accountability, and affordability across the prescription drug supply chain. His plan would deliver real relief to struggling Californians. It would also help expose the hidden markups and practices by big drug companies that push the prices of prescription drugs higher and higher. The legislature should follow the Governor’s lead and embrace sensible, fair regulations that will not raise the cost of medications.

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Rev. Dr. Lawrence E. VanHook. Courtesy of Rev. Dr. Lawrence E. VanHook.
Rev. Dr. Lawrence E. VanHook. Courtesy of Rev. Dr. Lawrence E. VanHook.

By Rev. Dr. Lawrence E. VanHook

As a pastor and East Bay resident, I see firsthand how my community struggles with the rising cost of everyday living. A fellow pastor in Oakland recently told me he cuts his pills in half to make them last longer because of the crushing costs of drugs.

Meanwhile, community members are contending with skyrocketing grocery prices and a lack of affordable healthcare options, while businesses are being forced to close their doors.

Our community is hurting. Things have to change.

The most pressing issue that demands our leaders’ attention is rising healthcare costs, and particularly the rising cost of medications. Annual prescription drug costs in California have spiked by nearly 50% since 2018, from $9.1 billion to $13.6 billion.

Last month, Gov. Newsom included measures in his budget that would encourage greater transparency, accountability, and affordability across the prescription drug supply chain. His plan would deliver real relief to struggling Californians. It would also help expose the hidden markups and practices by big drug companies that push the prices of prescription drugs higher and higher. The legislature should follow the Governor’s lead and embrace sensible, fair regulations that will not raise the cost of medications.

Some lawmakers, however, have advanced legislation that would drive up healthcare costs and set communities like mine back further.

I’m particularly concerned with Senate Bill (SB) 41, sponsored by Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), a carbon copy of a 2024 bill that I strongly opposed and Gov. Newsom rightly vetoed. This bill would impose significant healthcare costs on patients, small businesses, and working families, while allowing big drug companies to increase their profits.

SB 41 would impose a new $10.05 pharmacy fee for every prescription filled in California. This new fee, which would apply to millions of Californians, is roughly five times higher than the current average of $2.

For example, a Bay Area family with five monthly prescriptions would be forced to shoulder about $500 more in annual health costs. If a small business covers 25 employees, each with four prescription fills per month (the national average), that would add nearly $10,000 per year in health care costs.

This bill would also restrict how health plan sponsors — like employers, unions, state plans, Medicare, and Medicaid — partner with pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to negotiate against big drug companies and deliver the lowest possible costs for employees and members. By mandating a flat fee for pharmacy benefit services, this misguided legislation would undercut your health plan’s ability to drive down costs while handing more profits to pharmaceutical manufacturers.

This bill would also endanger patients by eliminating safety requirements for pharmacies that dispense complex and costly specialty medications. Additionally, it would restrict home delivery for prescriptions, a convenient and affordable service that many families rely on.

Instead of repeating the same tired plan laid out in the big pharma-backed playbook, lawmakers should embrace Newsom’s transparency-first approach and prioritize our communities.

Let’s urge our state legislators to reject policies like SB 41 that would make a difficult situation even worse for communities like ours.

About the Author

Rev. Dr. VanHook is the founder and pastor of The Community Church in Oakland and the founder of The Charis House, a re-entry facility for men recovering from alcohol and drug abuse.

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