African American History

Learn about the achievements of African Americans who have shaped South Carolina and American history.

Black History Month is celebrated every February to honor the achievements of African Americans who have shaped American history. Historian Carter G. Woodson hoped to raise awareness of African American's contributions to civilization by establishing Negro History Week. The event was first celebrated during a week in February 1926 that included both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass' birthdays. The week was later expanded to a month in 1976 during the United States bicentennial.

PHOTO: On March 20, 1969, Black hospital workers at the Medical College of South Carolina in Charleston went on strike to protest the firing of twelve employees and to call for higher wages and union recognition.

Within this Collection

Rev. J.A. DeLaine (1898-1974) | Road Trip
Rev. J.A. DeLaine (1898-1974) | Road Trip

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Described as courageous, fearless, confident, faithful, committed, humble and a man of integrity, the Rev. Joseph Armstrong DeLaine was the primary impetus behind the Clarendon County desegregation...
Ruby Pendergrass Cornwell (1902-2003) | Road Trip
Ruby Pendergrass Cornwell (1902-2003) | Road Trip

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A Charleston arts patron and gifted vocalist, Ruby Pendergrass Cornwell used her voice to make a difference in Charleston's cultural arts society. She was known as an inspiring teacher in civil rights...
James E. Clyburn | Road Trip
James E. Clyburn | Road Trip

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A life member of the NAACP, Clyburn has actively worked to support the principles of inclusion upon which the organization was founded. The Sumter native and graduate of South Carolina State...
Arthur J. H. Clement, Jr. (1908-1985) | Road Trip
Arthur J. H. Clement, Jr. (1908-1985) | Road Trip

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A pioneer among African-American business leaders, Arthur J.H. Clement, Jr., is credited with promoting positive race relations, spurring community development and enhancing business incentives in his...
Septima Pointsette Clark (1898 - 1987)
Septima Pointsette Clark (1898 - 1987)

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Septima Poinsette Clark is considered to be one of the mothers of the civil rights movement. As an active member of the NAACP, she helped the organization fight to obtain equal pay for Black teachers...
Levi G. Byrd (1891-?) | Road Trip
Levi G. Byrd (1891-?) | Road Trip

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The first chapters of the NAACP began in Charleston and Columbia in 1917. By 1929 a total of 12 chapters had been formed in the state. At that time the state organizations focused on registering Black...
J. Arthur Brown (1914-1988) | Road Trip
J. Arthur Brown (1914-1988) | Road Trip

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A life member of the NAACP, Brown served as local NAACP chapter president from 1953 to 1960. During his tenure the local membership increased from 100 to 1,000 persons. Locally, Brown focused on...
Harry Briggs (1913-1986)  | Road Trip
Harry Briggs (1913-1986) | Road Trip

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Harry Briggs was a World War II veteran. Briggs, a gas station attendant, and his wife, Eliza allowed Rev. DeLaine to use their home for people to sign the petition that became Briggs v Elliott...
Harold R. Boulware, Sr. (1913-1983) | Road Trip
Harold R. Boulware, Sr. (1913-1983) | Road Trip

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The son of educators Robert and Mabel Hughes Boulware, Harold Boulware attended Johnson C. Smith and Howard University Law School. After graduation he returned to South Carolina and established a...
Gloria Blackwell (1927-2010) | Road Trip
Gloria Blackwell (1927-2010) | Road Trip

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Gloria (Rackley) Blackwell and her daughter Luma. Gloria and her daughter walk beside Whittaker Elementary School where Mrs. Blackwell was a teacher before she was dismissed for her participation in...