The World of Cecil - Shorts

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.

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 Briggs v. Elliot Case | The World of Cecil -Shorts
Briggs v. Elliot Case | The World of Cecil -Shorts

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...
 Cecil and Strom | The World of Cecil -Shorts
Cecil and Strom | The World of Cecil -Shorts

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.
 Clemson Integration | The World of Cecil -Shorts
Clemson Integration | The World of Cecil -Shorts

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.
 Student Protests | The World of Cecil -Shorts
Student Protests | The World of Cecil -Shorts

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...
 The Orangeburg Massacre | The World of Cecil -Shorts
The Orangeburg Massacre | The World of Cecil -Shorts

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...