Following the protest against a segregated bowling alley two days before, hundreds of students gathered on the campus of South Carolina State. Highway patrolmen opened fire on the unarmed students killing three and injuring dozens more. Activist Cleveland Sellers was the only individual arrested and convicted as the instigator of… Read More
African American students from across South Carolina demonstrate at the State House in response to the Orangeburg Massacre. Read More
The United Citizens Party is organized in South Carolina due to the Democratic Party’s refusal to nominate black candidates and support legislation to improve economic conditions. Read More
The court ordered desegregation of 21 South Carolina school districts begins. The following month, black and white students clash at A.C. Flora High School in Columbia. Over the next few years, racial skirmishes are commonplace in high schools across the state. Read More
Herbert Fielding of Charleston and I. S. Leevy Johnson and James Felder of Columbia become the first African Americans elected to the State House of Representatives since Reconstruction. Read More
Beaufort, S.C. native and World Heavyweight Champion “Smokin’” Joe Frazier addresses the State Legislature, calling for racial reconciliation and tolerance among the state’s citizens. Read More
Juanita Goggins of Rock Hill becomes the first black woman elected to the State Legislature. Read More
Matthew Perry becomes the first African American federal judge in South Carolina history. Read More
Luther Battiste, III and E.W. Cromartie, II are sworn in as the first African American members of the Columbia City Council. … Read More
James E. Clyburn is elected to the United States House of Representatives. Read More