About Seldon
Originally from Greenville, Seldon Peden has served as a Magistrate Judge in Greenville County for the last 11 years. After attending school in Atlanta and Washington, D.C. Seldon came back to Greenville and helped in the city’s revitalization efforts. With new opportunities emerging, it was the perfect place to raise a family: “My roots were here…I was able to grow and raise my family in the new burgeoning area. Greenville has always been home.”
What are some of the things you are doing in your community?
Seldon currently serves on the boards of the Salvation Army Red Shield Youth Center, The Cathy Collective Cancer Foundation, and Fostering Great Ideas. Additionally, he volunteers with the SC Housing Justice Coalition and is a mentor with the Chamber of Commerce Pacesetters Program.
His commitment to the community remains strong, and in his professional life he wants to increase the availability of legal assistance and provide opportunities for students interested in going into the legal profession.
What made you want to get involved in community service?
Growing up, Seldon’s father was heavily involved in the community, having worked in youth sports, the local NAACP, and Seldon’s school’s PTA. It inspired some of his own work in the Greenville area, but it’s been more rewarding than he expected.
“Commitment to service has been gratifying and rewarding to me spiritually. It has kept me physically active and astute as to what’s happening around me socially, economically, and politically…Additionally, it’s extremely rewarding when someone’s life or outlook improves because of an interaction with you or because of some contribution you’ve made to your community.”
Seldon shows up every day. The simple act of doing has ripple effects that Seldon hopes will enrich the lives around him. “I envision a community where everyone has the same opportunity to succeed. I would like Greenville to provide equal access and opportunity for all residents to benefit and thrive from Greenville's nationally recognized growth, development, and quality of life…the best way to create the community you want to live and raise your family in, is to serve, participate, and contribute to the change you want to see.”
What's one piece of advice you have on how to encourage others to show up in their community, be involved, and make an impact?
“My one piece of advice would be to just show up. Just show up. Being present is half the battle. Even when it is uncomfortable, unfamiliar, or you're the only of your gender, race, age, ability, etc. .... just show up. You get to hear the information, see the possibilities, you're viewed as interested and that you care, and you soon realize your thoughts and contributions are as valuable and impactful as anyone else's.”
About Seldon II
Community service in the Peden family runs deep. Seldon’s 14-year-old son, Selden II, has been involved in the community since he was 11. At Christ Church Episcopal School, he plays three sports and is on the honor roll.
He was inspired to get into community work after his mother passed away from ovarian cancer. Through the process of grieving, mourning, and healing, Seldon II wrote a book to help kids his age cope with death and loss. In 2021 he published The Good Mourning: A Kid’s Support Guide for Grief and Mourning Death.
Seldon II continues to use his experiences to help others: “I speak to elementary school students, teen church groups, and school counselors about childhood grief and mourning from a youth’s perspective and the benefits of peer group counseling.” He’s also presented at the Greenville County Schools’ District Counselors and the Palmetto State School Counselor Association.
Seldon II is glad some good can come from grief. He hopes that he can help foster a community of openness, “where people can find connections and resources to heal from whatever trauma they may experience.”
What's one piece of advice you have on how to encourage others to show up in their community, be involved, and make an impact?
The one piece of advice I have is to never be afraid to express your feelings and release your emotions. Find your own way to do that. It does not have to be in the way everyone else thinks it should be. You don't have to be older or an adult to impact your community. You're never too young to be a leader.
