Esau Jenkins was a visionary civil rights leader and community organizer from Johns Island, South Carolina. He exemplified the principle of “Ensure Domestic Tranquility” by using buses he and his wife Janie purchased to transport Sea Island children to school and adults to jobs. These rides also served as mobile classrooms, teaching literacy and citizenship.
Jenkins founded the Progressive Club, a hub for adult education, economic growth, and civic engagement. Collaborating with Septima Clark and the Highlander Folk School, he helped establish the first Citizenship School on Johns Island, a model that empowered thousands to register to vote across the South. He also founded the Citizens Committee of Charleston and the C.O. Federal Credit Union, providing residents access to loans and business opportunities.
Jenkins’ dedication to peaceful progress, education, and community growth created lasting opportunities for African Americans. His work helped promote domestic tranquility and inspired future generations in South Carolina and beyond, leaving a legacy of empowerment and social change.
Presented through a partnership between the South Carolina Department of Education and South Carolina ETV.
View the series on KnowItAll.org here.
The SC African American History Calendar for 2026 is now available here and for downloading here.