Committee advances bill to designate 'While I Breathe, I Hope' as South Carolina's official choral anthem

A committee advanced House Bill 39‑49 on a voice vote after hearing testimony from the song’s composer, Reverend James Kevin Gray.

Reverend James Kevin Gray, who identified himself as the composer, told the panel the piece was written roughly 13–14 years ago and is intended as an educational anthem for schools. "I come before you with more than a song," Gray said, arguing the anthem helps students learn and embody the state motto.

Gray cited South Carolina Code 59‑1‑325 as part of his rationale, saying the anthem complements existing law that requires the state motto be displayed in schools. He listed several schools and institutions where the piece has been performed to show statewide uptake and offered a recorded performance to illustrate the song’s classroom use.

A committee member thanked Gray for including choirs and emphasized the importance of music and cultural education in schools. The committee then approved a motion for a favorable report by voice vote; the chair said the bill will be forwarded to the full committee for further consideration.

Members also noted a typographical inconsistency in the bill where the draft used "we" in one spot while the Latin motto uses "I." Gray said the original draft used "we" but editors changed it to "I," and members agreed to correct the text before advancing the bill.

The committee took no roll‑call tally; the favorable report was approved by voice vote and the measure will be considered next by the full committee.