Steve's family hails from Orangeburg, South Carolina. Like many African-American families in the 1960s, they moved north in search of greater opportunities for themselves and for their children.  Steve spent his childhood in New York City.

Thanks in large part to his parents' hard work and commitment to family, Steve was able to return to South Carolina and enroll at the University of South Carolina.  Just a few weeks into his freshman year, Steve had the opportunity to see Pope John Paul II speak on the Horseshoe -- an experience he credits with inspiring him to pursue his schoolwork and his future with a whole new focus.  Steve went on to serve as student body president and graduated with a degree in political science in 1991.  He continued his studies at the University of South Carolina School of Law, where he was elected president of the Student Bar Association and graduated in 1994.

In the fifteen years since he graduated law school, Steve has worked tirelessly on local issues in the Midlands, serving on the boards of numerous charitable organizations and seeking to find solutions to many community challenges. In particular, Steve has focused his energies on economic development initiatives, increasing access to affordable housing, and improving public education.

Steve and his wife DeAndrea have been married for seven years.  They have two little girls, Bethany (4) and Jordan Grace (2).  Together, they enjoy reading lots of books, taking trips at EdVenture, and playing at Chuck E. Cheese.  The Benjamins live in Northeast Columbia and are members of Saint John Baptist Church.