Lesson
Grades
- 5
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
Scavenger Hunt for the Cecil Williams South Carolina Civil Rights Museum
The World of Cecil - Shorts
The World of Cecil
When the Civil Rights Movement in South Carolina hit its stride, Cecil Williams was there with his camera creating a visual record through marches, meetings, sit-ins, demonstrations and riots.
When the Civil Rights Movement in South Carolina hit its stride, Cecil Williams was there with his camera creating a visual record through marches, meetings, sit-ins, demonstrations and riots. A child of the movement, himself, Williams was both an active participant and a passionate observer and preserver of its history. It is a role he prepared for from childhood; a role he embraces, yet today.
Williams is outspoken in his belief that the Civil Rights Movement had its beginning in Clarendon County, South Carolina, and that South Carolina—especially his hometown of Orangeburg—played a critical and pivotal role on the national civil rights front, although its primacy and impact are little known and accorded scant recognition. Through publications, sharing his photographs, telling the stories—and most recently, creating a South Carolina Civil Rights Museum, Williams hopes to correct this oversight. The two-part documentary, The World of Cecil tells his story through glimpses of major events and people, illuminated by Cecil’s photographs. Along the way, we learn of the myriad talents and accomplishments of Cecil J. Williams, the man, who set out to help make the world a better place.
More in this Series
Lesson
Grades
- 5
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- Higher Education
This resource was created to engage students in the viewing of "The World of Cecil"documentary. This guide covers part two of the series.
Lesson
Grades
- 5
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- Higher Education
This resource was created to engage students in the viewing of "The World of Cecil"documentary. This guide covers part one of the series.
Video
Grades
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
Cecil Williams's SC Civil Rights Museum is a significant archive of civil rights history, preserving photographs and artifacts from the movement.
Video
Grades
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
On February 6, 1968, a violent clash occurred between SC State University students and law enforcement, with police beating and opening fire on the unarmed students. Three students were killed, and...
Video
Grades
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
Learn about the hospital strike in Charleston, SC, where hospital workers - predominantly Black women fought for fair pay and better working conditions. Coretta Scott King, wife of the late Dr. Martin...
Video
Grades
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
Learn about the pivotal role students and community leaders in Orangeburg, SC played in the struggle for civil rights. The Civil Rights Movement expanded across the state, including significant sit...
Video
Grades
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
Harvey Gantt’s arrival at Clemson University in 1963 officially marked the end of segregation at the university. Equipped with his camera, Cecil Williams was there to capture that historic moment.
Video
Grades
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
Learn about the complex relationship between Cecil Williams and Strom Thurmond, a prominent figure in South Carolina politics with a history of segregationist policies.
Video
Grades
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
Learn about Cecil Williams’s fascinating encounter with John F. Kennedy before he became President of the United States.
Video
Grades
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
Learn about the Briggs v. Elliott court case - The first in history to challenge segregation in public education. Joseph DeLaine, Levi Pearson, and Harry Briggs all played pivotal roles in this...
Video
Grades
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
Cecil's career and life are described as essential in helping people understand the history, the sacrifices, and the victories of the movement. His dedication and ability to capture powerful moments...
Video
Grades
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
Cecil Williams's SC Civil Rights Museum is a significant archive of civil rights history, preserving photographs and artifacts from the movement. Cecil Williams took on the role of curator, sharing...
Video
Grades
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
Cecil's frustration with racial barriers in his dream of becoming an architect fueled his innovative spirit. He embarked on a journey of self-learning, eventually designing houses, including one with...
Video
Grades
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
As a photographer, Cecil Williams documented critical moments in the civil rights history of South Carolina. Through his photography, he captured significant images of the statehouse with its evolving...
Video
Grades
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
This chapter explores the complex relationship between Cecil Williams and Strom Thurmond, a prominent figure in South Carolina politics with a history of segregationist policies. Cecil Williams, who...
Video
Grades
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
This segment focuses on the actions of the state legislature in South Carolina, led by Governor George Bell Timmerman, to pass laws making it illegal to belong to the NAACP. Teachers in Elloree...
Video
Grades
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
The first segment of The World of Cecil: Part Two focuses on a labor strike in Charleston, South Carolina, in 1969, where hospital workers, predominantly Black women, were fighting for fair pay and...
Video
Grades
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
In the final segment of The World of Cecil: Part One, the documentary recounts events from 1968 when students from South Carolina State University, led by John Stroman, attempted to desegregate the...
Video
Grades
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
This segment provides insight into Cecil Williams' early aspirations and his remarkable photography during pivotal moments of desegregation at Clemson University and the University of South Carolina...
Video
Grades
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
Governor Fritz Hollings opposed protests at the State Capitol in South Carolina. The pivotal Edwards vs. South Carolina case arose from a 1961 civil rights demonstration against segregation. James...
Video
Grades
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
The sixth segment delves into the historical student protest in Orangeburg, South Carolina, in 1960. The movement, inspired by the Greensboro sit-ins, featured students from Claflin and South Carolina...
Video
Grades
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
This chapter focuses on Cecil Williams' fascinating encounter with John F. Kennedy before he became President. When Kennedy was making an announcement at the Roosevelt Hotel, Cecil, a photographer for...
Video
Grades
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
Part 4 showcases the role of Orangeburg in the Civil Rights Movement and the influence of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s nonviolent resistance. Students in Orangeburg actively participated in marches...
Related Collections
African American History
Learn about the achievements of African Americans who have shaped South Carolina and American history.