Myrtle Beach Hosts Charity Concert to Honor Mica Miller and Advocate for Legislative Change

Myrtle Beach Gears Up for Charity Concert Honoring Mica Miller

Myrtle Beach is ready to host a heartwarming charity concert this Saturday, aimed at honoring the memory of the late Mica Miller, who tragically passed away in late April. The event, aptly named Mica’s Benefit Concert, is set to take place at Grand Park in The Market Common, running from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

A Day Filled with Music and Fun

Attendees can look forward to a thrilling lineup of live bands, an exciting kids zone to keep the little ones entertained, and fabulous raffle giveaways. Plus, there will be a selection of local vendors and tantalizing food trucks to satisfy everyone’s cravings. What’s better than enjoying a sunny day while supporting a great cause?

Remembering Mica

Mica’s story has struck a chord with many and, unfortunately, it has been shrouded in controversy. She was found deceased at the Lumber River State Park, and her death was ruled a suicide. Following this, allegations of abuse against her husband, John-Paul Miller, surfaced, capturing nationwide attention.

Regina Ward, the attorney representing Mica’s family, has been a vocal advocate for change and believes that legislative measures could greatly aid victims of abuse. She speaks passionately about the “Coercive Control Bill,” aiming to provide protections for individuals who are harassed and controlled by their abusers. “It goes far beyond what you can see on the outside of someone who’s being abused mentally, emotionally, and financially,” she said, explaining the complexities that victims endure.

The Need for Legislative Change

Ward emphasized the desperation that some victims feel: “The only way — I’m sorry, it always makes me emotional… Sometimes the only way that they’ll have the ability to escape that abuse is for there to be resources and laws that allow that door to be kicked open so they can run out.”

She reached out to state representatives in June to promote the bill, but sadly, there has been little response. “I think that when we put something together that’s better crafted and if we can find the one brave senator and the one brave House of Representative member that will come over here and say, ‘you know what, attorney Regina Ward, I want my name on that,’” she encouraged.

A Glimmer of Hope for Change

Interestingly, this isn’t the first time a coercive control bill has been proposed in South Carolina. About four years ago, a lawmaker attempted to introduce legislation aimed at criminalizing coercive control, with severe penalties of up to ten years in prison and fines reaching $10,000. However, despite the alarming need, progress has stalled in both chambers of the General Assembly.

The latest attempt to address this critical issue came in 2021 when state Republican Sen. Katrina Shealy filed a bill, which sadly did not make it out of the Judiciary Committee led by Conway Republican Luke Rankin. This stagnation raises concerns about the visibility and importance of recognizing coercive control as a form of abuse.

Uniting for a Cause

While the fight for legislative progression continues, the concert this Saturday stands as a beacon of hope for many. It serves as a reminder of the support available to victims and the loved ones left behind. The Mica’s Benefit Concert not only seeks to honor Mica’s legacy but also aims to raise awareness and funds that could eventually help drive change.

So gather your family and friends and join in the celebration of life, love, and resilience this Saturday at Grand Park. Let’s make a difference in honor of Mica Miller!