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2020 African American History CALENDAR

PRESENTED BY The South Carolina Department of Education Rich in African American History from the Upstate to the Lowcountry Dear Students, Educators, and Friends,

The 2020 South Carolina African American History Calendar is proudly presented to you by the South Carolina Department of Education and our dedicated community partners.

For thirty-one years, the Calendar has featured exceptional individuals who have had a remarkable impact on the state of South Carolina and our beloved of America. The honorees contributions to society are used by educators from across our state to facilitate and expand African American history into student learning.

The 2020 Calendar cover spotlights Penn Center, a historical institution “tucked in the heart of the South Carolina Sea Islands.” Formerly known as Penn School, the St. Helena Island site served as one of our country’s first educational institutions for freed slaves. The significance of its educational and cultural impact continues today as thousands of citizens and leaders have been taught, inspired, and sent forth to transform the Lowcountry, South Carolina, our nation, and world.

The 2020 Calendar honorees’ commitment to improving the lives of others through education, medicine, athletics, engineering, and public service are remarkable. Each time you turn the page to the next month, you will be reminded of the tremendous legacy they have left to inspire future generations.

Remembering their contributions, together, we must continue to work to improve the quality of life for all South Carolinians.

Sincerely,

Molly M. Spearman State Superintendent of Education SOUTH CAROLINA African 2020 American A native of Chester, S.C., Dr. Vivian Ayers Fields.” This method of education was Allen is a poet, cultural activist, and recommended to the nation as the History American classicist. prototype of grassroots arts programming CALENDAR by Nancy Hanks, who was then Director A 1939 graduate of the historic Brainerd of the National Endowment of the Arts. Institute in Chester, Dr. Ayers attended The program continued with funding in Barber-Scotia College and Bennett College. Houston for nine consecutive years. Dr. Dr. Ayers has also received Honorary Ayers was invited to serve as an advisor Doctorate Degrees from Bennett College to the endowment as a member of The and Wilberforce University. Associated Councils of the Arts.

Her literary career began in Houston, Texas Dr. Ayers is also the Founding Director of the with the publication of “Spice of Dawns” Brainerd Institute Heritage. For more than (1952), a collection of poems that was a decade, her Workshops in Open Fields nominated for the Pulitzer Prize. “Hawk,” has been active on the Brainerd Institute an allegory of freedom made analogous to campus in Chester. In addition to visual space flight, followed and was published on arts education, the program also serves July 11, 1957, just 11 weeks before the launch Chester residents and surrounding areas by of Sputnik I. “Hawk” would later earn praise presenting Free Dance Days, with faculty from the National Aeronautics and Space from the Debbie Allen Dance Academy, Administration (NASA) at their Lyndon B. as well as a Summer Preschool Literacy Johnson Space Center where enlarged Program. reproductions of the writings are exhibited.

Dr. Ayers’ talents and interests also include the research of world cultures. She studied classical Greek at Rice University, Columbia Vivian Ayers University, and Princeton University. In addition, she has studied and translated Allen texts on Mayan culture and astronomy.

In 1973, while still living in Houston, Texas and working with the Harris County Community Association, she collaborated with certified teachers to create her signature program, “Workshops in Open

Penn Center After Penn School closed, Penn Center invited the Southern Christian Leadership Conference led by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He is photographed here with the first Executive Director of Penn Center, Courtney P. Siceoff, his wife Elizabeth, and son John, during one of Dr. King’s numerous visits to Penn Center between 1963-1968. SOUTH CAROLINA African American 2020 History CALENDAR

January

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29 30 31 1 2 3 4 1863 - At Camp Saxton in Port Royal, S.C., thousands of African gathered to celebrate Emancipation Day on the very day President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation went into effect. New Year’s Day New Year’s Eve Ends 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

1963 - In the wake of civil rights protests and lawsuits, Governor Ernest “Fritz” Hollings used his last speech in office to acknowledge 2017 - Donald W. Beatty, a native that “the day of segregation of Spartanburg, was sworn has passed” and called for the in as Chief Justice of the S.C. integration process to be handled Supreme Court. “with dignity.” 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

1927 - Actress Eartha Kitt was born in North, S.C.

2000 - More than 46,000 rallied 1963 - Donald Russell was 1963 - The Fourth Circuit Court of at the state capitol in Columbia to 1944 - Boxer Joseph “Smoking inaugurated as Governor of S.C. Appeals ordered Clemson College protest the Confederate battle flag Joe” Frazier was born in Beaufort. At the inaugural barbecue held to admit Harvey Gantt opening flying atop the statehouse dome. He would later become an Olympic on the grounds of the Governor’s the door for him to become the Sponsors of the march included the gold medalist and heavy- Mansion, over 100 black citizens first African American to enroll at NAACP, the Urban League, and the weight champion. were in attendance. Clemson. AME Church. 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

26 27 28 29 30 31 1 1961 - Students from Friendship 1986 - Astronaut Dr. Ronald E. Junior College and others went to McNair, a native of Lake City, died jail after a sit-in at a segregated in the tragic explosion of the space lunch counter in Rock Hill. The shuttle Challenger. group, later known as the Friendship Nine, gained nationwide 1963 - Harvey Gantt, a graduate attention with their “jail, no bail” of Charleston’s Burke High School, strategy and remained in prison arrived at Clemson College and for 30 days. Their convictions enrolled as the school’s first African were later dismissed and declared American student. “vacated, null and void” in 2015.

Learn more about the 2020 honorees at www.scafricanamerican.com SOUTH CAROLINA African American 2020 Rear Admiral Reubin B. Bookert is a Bookert was promoted to the rank of Rear native of Columbia, S.C. He graduated Admiral in 2002. History from C.A. Johnson High School in 1968 CALENDAR and North Carolina A&T State University In 2004 Bookert assumed duties as with a B.S. degree. He also earned Commander of Amphibious Group Two in degrees in National Security and Norfolk, VA. He commanded all Amphibious Strategic Studies from the Naval War Forces on the East Coast. His command College and a M.S. in Management included 27 warships, 38 shore commands from Salve Regina University in Newport, and 15,000 sailors and Marines. He has R.I. He commissioned in to the United been awarded numerous decorations, States Navy in February of 1975. including three Legion of Merit Medals, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Rear Admiral Bookert reported to his three Meritorious Service Medals, the Navy first fleet assignment in March of 1976 Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on as Communications Officer aboard the Terrorism Medal, and the Humanitarian U.S.S. Truett . Subsequent sea tours include Service Medal among others. His last Communications Officer in Destroyer assignment was serving as the Commander Squadron Twenty-Four, Weapons Officer of Maritime Forces, which consisted of 45 in U.S.S. Joseph Hewes, Operations multinational warships that provided relief Officer in U.S.S.La Moure County and for the victims of Hurricane Katrina in New Executive Officer aboard the U.S.S.Blakely . Orleans, La. His command-at-sea tours include: Commanding Officer, U.S.S.La Moure He served on the Board of Directors for the County and Commanding Officer of the Tidewater Virginia Area Urban League. He amphibious assault ship, U.S.S. Kearsarge. is a member of Richland School District One Hall of Fame, the Fraternity, Ashore Bookert served at the Navy Inc., and the Spann Watson Chapter of Reubin Bookert Recruiting District in Atlanta, Ga. and at , Inc. He retired from the Special Operations Command, MacDill Navy in 2006. Air Force Base in Fla. In July 1995, Bookert assumed duties as Special Assistant to Admiral Bookert and his wife Marvis reside the Chief of Naval Personnel and Director, in Blythewood, S.C. They have two sons, Professional Relationship Division. In 1996, Brian and Russell (wife, Samantha) and a he was selected as Special Assistant granddaughter, Hannah. He is currently to the Chief of Naval Operations. In employed by the Department of Veterans 2001, he served as Deputy Director of Affairs as the Chief of Support Services in Expeditionary Warfare in the Pentagon. the Columbia Regional office.

Penn Center This photo, taken in 1906, is of Miss Norwell and her class working on a history lesson about President Abraham Lincoln. With full support from President Lincoln, Beaufort County, home of Penn Center, became the birthplace of Reconstruction as it was one of the first places in the United States where formerly enslaved people could begin integrating themselves into free society. SOUTH CAROLINA African American 2020 History CALENDAR

February BLACK HISTORY MONTH

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26 27 28 29 30 31 1 1834 - Henry McNeal Turner, AME minister and the first African American appointed by President Lincoln as a chaplain in the U.S. Army in 1863, was born in Hannah Circuit near Newberry, S.C.

1870 - Jonathan Jasper Wright, a state senator from Beaufort County, was elected as an Associate Justice of the S.C. Supreme Court, becoming its first African American member. 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

1961 - The South Carolina Council 1968 - During demonstrations on Human Relations (SCCHR) protesting segregation at a local Student Council hosted its bowling alley in Orangeburg, S.C. first student workshop at Allen Highway Patrolmen opened fire University. The workshop entitled on the campus of South Carolina “The Role of the Student in State College, killing three students Achieving Human Rights” included and wounding dozens of others. a keynote address from veteran 1967 - Actor, comedian, and author The event became known as the Groundhog Day organizer . Chris Rock was born in Andrews, S.C. “Orangeburg Massacre.”

9 10 11 12 1909 - Georgetown, S.C. native 13 14 15 Dr. William A. Sinclair, born enslaved in 1858 and studied at the University of South Carolina, helped create the NAACP. 1874 - Charlotta Amanda Bass, a newspaper editor and the 1960 - Days after protests in first African American woman Greensboro, N.C., the first sit-ins in nominated for the office of Vice S.C. began in Rock Hill when nearly President in 1952 as a candidate of 100 students sit-in at Woolworth’s the Progressive Party, was born in and McCrory’s. Sumter, S.C. Lincoln’s Birthday Valentine’s Day 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

1961 - Students were arrested after 1898 - Frazier Baker, a Republican attempting to integrate a skating appointed African American post- rink in Greenville’s Cleveland Park. 1917 - Acclaimed writer and civil master of Lake City, S.C., and his In a lawsuit named Walker v. rights organizer James Weldon two-year old daughter were lynched Shaw, the students were defended Johnson informed the national in an attack by a white mob. Other Washington’s by NAACP attorneys Donald J. headquarters of the NAACP that members of the Baker family were Sampson, Matthew J. Perry, and new branches were established in severely injured. The known Birthday Lincoln C. Jenkins. Charleston and Columbia. assailants were never convicted.

23 24 25 1963 - In the ruling Edwards 26 27 28 29 v. South Carolina , the U.S. Supreme Court declared that the State may not “make criminal the peaceful expression of unpopular views.” 1956 -Clarence Mitchell, the The lawsuit was filed after 187 National Director of the NAACP student demonstrators were and a Baptist minister Rev. Horace arrested following protests against Sharper, were arrested in Florence segregation on the grounds of the when they enter a “white’s only” S.C. State House. door at the local train station. Charges against the two leaders Mardi Gras Ash Wednesday were later dismissed. Leap Day

Learn more about the 2020 honorees at www.scafricanamerican.com SOUTH CAROLINA African 2020 American Mignon L. Clyburn became the first woman Clyburn most recently held a fellowship at head of the Federal Communications the Open Society Foundation where she History Commission (FCC) when she was appointed continued the push for the elimination CALENDAR Acting Chair by President of predatory rates for prison telephone in May 2013. She was also the first African services. She is currently the principal at MLC American woman nominated to the Strategies, LLC. commission. She served on the FCC for nearly nine years. For well over two decades, Clyburn has been actively involved in a myriad of community From July 2009 until June 2018, organizations. Prior to her appointment Commissioner Clyburn was committed to at the FCC, Clyburn served on the South narrowing persistent digital, communication, Carolina State Energy Advisory Council, and opportunity divides that challenge the Trident Technical College Foundation, rural, Native, African American, Latino the South Carolina Cancer Center Board, and low wealth communities. Specifically, the Columbia College Board of Visitors, she pushed for the modernization of the Palmetto Project Board (as secretary/ the agency’s Lifeline Program, which treasurer), chair of the YWCA of Greater helps defray the cost of voice and Charleston and on the boards of Reid House broadband services for low-income of Christian Service, Edventure Children’s consumers, championed diversity in Museum, Trident Urban League, and media ownership, initiated reforms in the the Trident United Way. She also is a Life egregious Inmate Calling Services regime, Member of the NAACP, a member of The emphasized diversity and inclusion in STEM Links, Inc. and the SC Advisory Council of the opportunities, and was a strong advocate U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, and was for preserving a free and open internet, or past president of the Charleston County net neutrality. Democratic Women and Black Women Entrepreneurs. Mignon Clyburn Previously, Clyburn served 11 years on the South Carolina Public Service Commission, Clyburn graduated from W.J. Keenan High including two as its chair. For 14 years, she School in Columbia and holds a B.S. in was the publisher and general manager banking, finance, and economics from the of the Coastal Times, a family founded, University of South Carolina. She is the oldest Charleston-based weekly newspaper that daughter of James and Emily England focuses on issues affecting the African Clyburn. American community.

Penn Center Penn School Founder, Laura M. Towne, pictured with her favorite scholars, Dick, Maria, and Amoretta in February of 1866. The Founders, Laura Towne and Ellen Murray, wrote extensively within the letters and journals about their experiences at Penn School and referred to all students as scholars. March

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1 2 1961 - NAACP leaders and 3 4 5 6 7 African American students from across the state met at Zion 1970 - Angry white residents 1961 - Two NAACP college Baptist Church and walked to the in Lamar, who opposed school 1960 - Nearly seventy students in leaders, Lennie Glover and David State House grounds. After singing integration, attacked three buses Florence continued protests from a Carter, were on a routine check 1948 - Denmark Trade School religious songs and marching carrying African American students prior day when they marched from of a sit-in at Woolworth’s in (later technical college) began around the capitol, 187 persons to newly desegregated schools Trinity Baptist Church to a local downtown Columbia when Glover operation. were arrested for a breach of in Darlington County. After being Kress store and demanded service was stabbed by an unknown peace. In 1963, the U.S. Supreme pummeled with ax handles, at a lunch counter. When the assailant. Severely wounded, 1960 - The South Carolina Council 1960 - African American students Court overturned the convictions chains, and rocks, the buses were students resumed their peaceful Glover eventually recovered on Human Relations (SCCHR) in Greenville staged a peaceful sit- of those arrested in a landmark overturned. Eventually, state police protests, 48 people were arrested and continued participating in announced the group’s support of in at a segregated library. ruling, Edwards v. South Carolina . dispersed the crowd with tear gas. for “parading without a permit.” demonstrations. student-led sit-ins across the state. 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 1974 – After Richland County school officials shared news 1960 - Allen University student about the closing of Booker T. Simon Bouie and Benedict College Washington High School, students, student Talmadge Neal took seats faculty, and alumni denounced in a booth at the Eckerd’s Drug plans to sell the legendary school Store in downtown Columbia and to the University of South Carolina. waited to be served. Bouie and In a speech before the local school Neal were charged with criminal board, faculty member Frankie B. trespass and convicted. Their Daylight Savings Outten described her alma mater convictions were overturned in as the “Great Mother of the Black a landmark U.S. Supreme Court Time Begins Community.” decision in June 1964.

1969 - More than four 15 16 17 18 19 20 hundred African American 21 1960 - During demonstrations hospital workers, most of them 1909 - Booker T. Washington, the protesting racial segregation female, began a strike against famed leader of Tuskegee Institute in Orangeburg, more than one the all-white administrations of and the Negro Business League thousand students from Claflin the Medical College Hospital concluded a seven-day tour of University and South Carolina and Charleston County Hospital S.C. Prominent African American State College were water hosed for better wages and working leaders joined him for visits to and tear gassed by police during conditions. The striking workers Greenville, Gaffney, Anderson, demonstrations. Three hundred attracted support from national Rock Hill, Winnsboro, Camden, and eighty students were jailed. civil rights leaders, including Ralph Columbia, Florence, Sumter, The protest was a lead story in the and Juanita Abernathy, Coretta Orangeburg, Denmark, and Times . St. Patrick’s Day Spring Begins Scott King, and . Charleston. 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

1961 - In response to the stabbing of Lennie Glover, African American students initiated a boycott of Main St. businesses in Columbia. The “Easter Lennie Glover No Buying Campaign” featured daily picketing and sit-ins.

29 30 31 1919 - Walter F. White, 1 2 3 4 assistant secretary from the NAACP’s New York City office, spoke at Aiken’s Friendship Baptist Church. The Aiken branch of the NAACP was formed one year earlier.

1967 - Ordie P. Taylor Jr., Anthony M. Hurley, and Mable B. Ashe applied for a charter of incorp- oration for the newly organized Columbia Urban League, Inc.

Learn more about the 2020 honorees at www.scafricanamerican.com SOUTH CAROLINA African 2020 American Judge Richard E. Fields was born and elections in Charleston for a decade. raised in Charleston, S.C. He attended high Judge Fields also conducted legal work on History school at the Avery Institute, graduated behalf of the National Association for the CALENDAR from West Virginia State College in 1944, Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). and earned his law degree in 1947 from the School of Law. He In 1952, he was elected to the Board of was one of the first to Trustees of Claflin College in Orangeburg. open a law office in Charleston since the He also represented the university as early 1900s. Judge Fields’ private and its attorney and served on many of its professional endeavors have included committees during his almost fifty years many religious, civic, and political activities, on the board. In 1992, a scholarship was acquiring leadership positions in each area. established in his name to provide financial assistance to students of merit. When Judge Fields returned to Charleston after law school, he resumed his Judge Fields’ leadership in the South membership at the historic Centenary Carolina legal community continued when Methodist Church. He was elected treasurer he was selected as a Municipal Judge for of that congregation around 1950 and the City of Charleston in 1969. He served in retains that position to this date. Judge that position until becoming a Family Court Fields served as the church’s delegate to judge in 1975. In 1980, Judge Fields was the South Carolina Annual Conference for elected as a judge of the Circuit Court of more than 50 years and was a member of South Carolina until his retirement in 1992. the Merger Committee in South Carolina His portrait hangs on the fourth floor of the when the white and black conferences of Charleston County Judicial Center and in the United Methodist Church merged in the one of the United States Post Offices in late 1960s and early 1970s. Charleston which is officially named after him. Richard Fields In 1950, along with several other black citizens, Judge Fields formed Judge Fields and his wife, the late Myrtle the Charleston County Political Action T. Evans, have two children, Mary Diane Committee (PAC) for the purpose of Fields-Reed and Richard E. Fields Jr. organizing black voters and educating them in the power of the ballot, and for the additional purpose of electing blacks to political office. This group, through its screening committee, was able to influence

Penn Center Linnie Lumpkin-Blanton takes her overcrowded first grade sewing class of beginners to the great outdoors. Periodically, students and teachers would enjoy learning activities outdoors, and the trees would serve as canopies for classrooms. SOUTH CAROLINA African American 2020 History CALENDAR

April

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1949-Allen University sponsored a performance by famed vocalist at Columbia’s Township Auditorium. 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

1983 - Attorneys Luther J. Battiste, III and E. W. Cromartie, II were 1877 - Following the Hayes-Tilden sworn in as the first African Compromise, federal troops Americans on the Columbia City were removed from S.C., setting Council since the the stage for the collapse of the . state’s Reconstruction government and the resurgence of white Palm Sunday World Health Day Passover Begins Good Friday Democratic leadership. 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

1868 - A new S.C. constitution, 1963 - After being denied shaped by African American access to Columbia’s Township 1963 - The first rounds of the leaders, is adopted. The 1868 Auditorium, Brown v. South Carolina Forestry constitution required integrated minister spoke at a Commission lawsuit began on this education and contained a strong small mosque in Columbia. The day. This case, brought by African bill of rights section that protected Muslim leader bitterly denounced Americans, claimed they were Thomas Jefferson’s citizens of all races. Columbia’s political leaders and turned away from two white state African American supporters of parks of the SC State Park System Easter Birthday Tax Day Passover Ends integration. in 1960 and 1961. 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 1906 - The Palmetto Medical Association, comprised of African American physicians, dentists, and pharmacists, gathered in Camden to mark its 10th Anniversary.

2010 - Stephen K. Benjamin was 1963 - U.S. Attorney General elected as Columbia’s first African Robert Kennedy spoke at the American mayor. University of South Carolina about the national government’s role in Patriot’s Day Earth Day Arbor Day eliminating racial discrimination. 26 27 28 29 30 1 2

1969 - Journalists reported that armed students at Voorhees College in Denmark took over 1967 - Rev. Dr. Martin Luther the library and other offices on King Jr. spoke at the Greenville campus to protest conditions and S.C. Memorial Auditorium. In his to “obtain a more meaningful address, King remarks: “It is time education in the interest of black for a Second Reconstruction in people.” South Carolina.”

Learn more about the 2020 honorees at www.scafricanamerican.com SOUTH CAROLINA African American 2020 Rev. Dr. Benjamin James Glover was born 1960s and joined a lawsuit challenging in the Promised Land community near racial segregation in public schools in History Greenwood, S.C., on October 26, 1915. From S.C. His daughter Oveta was among a CALENDAR the age of seven, he was inspired to accept group of eleven African American students the calling of becoming a pastor and who integrated the public schools of prepared himself for a lifetime of teaching Charleston in 1963. and educating people about God. He attended the public schools of Greenwood, Dr. Glover served twice as the president of S.C., Gastonia, N.C., and Cincinnati, . Allen University. He had the honor of having He received his theology education the highest student attendance and from Wilberforce University and Payne bringing in the most financial contributions Theological Seminary. in the school’s history. In 1976, he founded King Memorial College in Columbia. Dr. Glover served as a Pastor in the A.M.E. church until his retirement at age 89. He Dr. “BJ” was the devoted husband of Lydia was a public school teacher in Due West, Wright Glover. Upon Dr. Glover’s death in S.C. and a professor of Bible literature and 2010, he was survived by his six children, psychology at Allen University, where he Madrian G. Garrick, Oveta Glover, Akli was the department head. He was also the Khalif, Gail Glover, Shawn (Juanita) Glover department head of Practical Theology and Dewey Glover, and nine grandchildren at Dickerson Theological Seminary, and four great-grandchildren. including the Charleston extension. He was the longest serving pastor in the history As a servant leader committed to a life with of Mother Emmanuel A.M.E. Church in integrity and love, Dr. Glover admonished Charleston, S.C. all to “be encouraged and keep the faith.”

Dr. Glover served actively in community Benjamin James leadership as president of the Charleston and Columbia branches of the NAACP, Glover president of the interdenominational minister’s Union of Charleston, founder and president of the Beta Mu Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, and a member of the board of trustees at Allen University. As a staunch advocate for civil rights, Dr. Glover led many marches and sit-ins in the

Penn Center Penn School students participating in the Decoration Day parade on St. Helena Island. Decoration Day is now recognized nationally as Memorial Day. SOUTH CAROLINA African American 2020 History CALENDAR

May

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2000 - S.C. Governor Jim Hodges signed a bill to make Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday an official state holiday. S.C. was the last state to recognize the day as a paid holiday for state employees.

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1898 - Educator and organizer, , 1966 - Reverend Dr. Martin Luther commonly referred to as the King Jr. spoke to over 5000 1961 - Twenty-one-year-old “Mother of the Movement” by Dr. people gathered in Kingstree. As was beaten while Martin Luther King Jr. and others, African Americans in Kingstree and participating in the Freedom was born in Charleston, S.C. around the state ran for political Rides at the Rock Hill Greyhound office, King championed voter Bus Station. Other riders were 1933 - James Brown, “The registrations and encouraged assaulted in Winnsboro. Lewis later Godfather of Soul” was born in his audience to “march on ballot is elected to the U.S. House of Barnwell, S.C. Cinco de Mayo boxes” in upcoming primaries. Representatives from Georgia. 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

1862 - Enslaved ship pilot Robert 1919 - A deadly race riot in Smalls liberates 16 slaves, including 1872 - Dr. Matilda Evans was born Charleston led to the death of members of his family, by piloting in Aiken, S.C. As one of the first 1956 - Twenty-one African two African Americans. During the 1961 - When the Freedom Rides the Confederate ship, The Planter, licensed African American female American teachers in Elloree, S.C. course of the following months of reached Sumter, Jerry Moore, through enemy territory in the physicians in the state, Dr. Evans were dismissed from their jobs the “red summer,” racial violence Herman Harris, and Mae Francis Charleston harbor toward Union established a highly successful after they refused to acknowledge erupted across the U.S. Moultrie, students from Morris military forces. As an acclaimed practice, community clinics, and their memberships in the NAACP. College, were recruited by CORE to hero, Smalls pursued political office a nurses training program in Mother’s Day join the Movement. on the state and national level. Columbia, S.C. Armed Forces Day 17 18 19 20 21 22 23

1963 - Over 1,000 white University 1954 - The US Supreme Court of South Carolina students ruled school segregation as participated in an anti-integration unconstitutional in the landmark rally on the campus’ Horseshoe decision of Brown v. Board of green. After a cross was lit on the Education. The first of the five campus, some of the students then cases that made up the Brown suit marched to the State House to was Briggs v. Elliott from Clarendon oppose the admission of African County, S.C. American students.

1944 - Led by Lighthouse 24 and Informer 25 26 27 28 29 30 newspaper editor John McCray, the Progressive Democratic Party 1822 - Charleston authorities (PDP) held its first uncovered the plan for the largest convention in African American slave insurrection Columbia, in the nation’s history. Denmark S.C. Vesey, a free man, was named as the lead organizer of the planned rebellion. The plot was in response to the city’s suppression of the 31 Memorial Day African church in Charleston.

Learn more about the 2020 honorees at www.scafricanamerican.com SOUTH CAROLINA African 2020 American Reverend James S. Hall Jr. was born in and throughout the South, organizers were 1932, in Marion, S.C. to Reverend James S. jailed for civil rights advocacy. History Hall Sr. and Mrs. Eliza Hall. Hall attended CALENDAR primary school in Marion and then earned Before organizing the Triumph Baptist a B.S. in Education and a Bachelor of Church of Philadelphia in 1969, Hall Divinity degree from Morris College in pastored Mount Rona Baptist Church Sumter, S.C. He received honorary degrees (Florence, S.C.), Rafting Creek Baptist from Morris College, Fuller Normal School Church (Sumter, S.C.), Springfield Baptist in Greenville, S.C., A.M.E. Seminary in Church (Greenville, S.C.) and Morris Chapel Monrovia, West Africa, and studied Pastoral Baptist Church in Philadelphia, Pa. Psychology at Temple University. Reverend Hall has served as Vice President Throughout Hall’s career, he has been a of the Baptist Educational and Missionary resolute advocate for civil rights and the Convention of South Carolina, and the S.C. voiceless. In high school, he organized a NAACP and as President of the Congress boycott against a major bread company of Racial Equality (CORE) in Greenville, after a deliveryman struck a black female Operation PUSH (People United to storekeeper for complaining about delivery Save Humanity), the Baptist Minister’s of stale bread. While at Morris College, he Conference, and the Pennsylvania Baptist was removed from his radio broadcast and Convention. He also served on the Board of threatened when he spoke out against Trustees of Morris College. racism and segregation. As senior advisor to lawmakers representing In October 1959, , the Pennsylvania, Hall continues to give voice famed player, was a keynote to the voiceless within his community. speaker for the South Carolina NAACP Awards presented to Hall include the Unity annual conference in Greenville. When Global PUSH Legend of Civil Rights, South James Hall Robinson prepared to depart the Greenville Carolina Shining Star Award from the South Municipal Airport, Rev. Hall, Mrs. Hall, and Carolina E&M Baptist State Convention, others accompanied him. While waiting and the Legacy in Social Justice Award in the main airport lounge, the group from Rainbow Push. In 2019, the Rev. was told to move to the colored section. Dr. James S. Hall Jr. Lecture Series in They refused, which culminated with Philadelphia was named in his honor. Hall organizing the first march on the Greenville Municipal Airport in January 1960. In subsequent sit-ins in Greenville

Penn Center In 1901, Penn School transitioned to Penn Normal, Industrial, and Agricultural School, adding teacher training, industrial, and agricultural trades to the academic curriculum. Pictured are Penn School scholars assembled outside of Founder’s Hall. June

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1863 - The Union Army began a series of raids along the Combahee 1963 - Rev. I. DeQuincey Newman River in Beaufort and Colleton announced that the NAACP would counties that freed enslaved stage massive demonstrations in 1939 - Marian Wright Edelman, people. Acclaimed abolitionist eight S.C. cities unless negotiations founder of the Children’s and leader began to “solve racial differences” Defense Fund and a graduate of participated in the over the integration of stores, Spelman College and the Yale raids as she worked as a spy along restaurants, theaters, and University Law School, was born in the S.C. coast. public venues. Bennettsville. 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

1910 – Dr. William D. Crum, a S.C. physician was appointed the U. S. minister to Liberia. 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 1961 - Approximately twenty African American students from Allen University and Benedict College were prevented from 1944 - George Stinney Jr., a 14- entering the Sesquicentennial year old young man from Alcolu, State Park near Columbia by the is executed for the death of two 2015 - Nine members of Mother South Carolina Law Enforcement white girls in his community. In 2014, Emanuel A.M.E. Church in Division. This incident was Stinney’s conviction was vacated Charleston (including the church’s presented as evidence when the after a judge concluded that the pastor State Senator Clementa C. case was brought to court in the original prosecution was marked Pinckney) were killed in an attack 1961 Brown v. South Carolina State by “fundamental, Constitutional of racist violence while attending Flag Day Forestry Commission trial. violations of due process.” Bible study. Summer Solstice

21 22 1954 - Sarah Mae 23 1951 - A three-judge panel 24 25 26 27 Flemming was hit and in the Federal District Court ejected from a Columbia bus for in Charleston ruled in favor of the sitting in a seat reserved for white Clarendon County School Board passengers, seventeen months and against desegregating schools 1985 - Columbia attorney and before . in Briggs v. Elliott . Judge J. Waties former member of the General Waring issued a dissent, declaring Assembly I. S. Leevy Johnson 1964 - The U.S. Supreme Court “segregation is per se inequality.” was sworn in as the first African reversed the convictions of NAACP lawyers appealed the American president of the South students in Columbia who were Briggs case to the U.S. Supreme Carolina Bar Association. charged with trespassing after Court and it became part of seeking service at segregated the landmark Brown v. Board of Father’s Day lunch counters. Education decision in 1954. 28 29 30 1 2 3 4

Learn more about the 2020 honorees at www.scafricanamerican.com SOUTH CAROLINA African 2020 American Dr. Roy I. Jones is a lifelong educator who Call Me MiSTER program has generated has served in South Carolina institutions millions of dollars in revenue, much of which History for nearly 40 years. Jones is the Executive supports students attending HBCUs. CALENDAR Director of the Call Me MiSTER program and Provost Distinguished Professor in Jones previously served as a department Clemson University’s College of Education. chair at Claflin University and was MiSTER works to increase the number instrumental in it becoming the first of teachers from diverse backgrounds, historically black, private institution in the particularly among the nation’s lowest state to be accredited by the National performing schools. Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education. Jones has also served as The program is the most recognized director of employment for the Charleston collaborative in the nation for recruiting, County School District. retaining and developing fully certified, career-minded African American male Jones is a father and Massachusetts native, elementary and middle school teachers. but has spent most of his professional It currently represents 24 colleges and life in the South. He earned a bachelor’s universities in South Carolina and 10 degree in education from the University of institutions in nine other states. Massachusetts, Amherst, a master’s degree in educational psychology from Atlanta MiSTER has more than doubled the University, and an Ed.D. in higher education number of African American males from the University of Georgia. teaching in public elementary school classrooms. There is a 90 percent retention rate of program graduates who are still teaching with eight percent leading schools in administrative roles. Through numerous Roy Jones journal articles, citations and awards, for both Jones and the program, MiSTER has demonstrated success in diverse academic environments.

Jones is a fierce advocate for historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) as early pioneers in producing black educators. Under Jones’ leadership, the

Penn Center Penn School was founded in 1862 and 80 pupils enrolled during its inaugural year. Pictured are Penn School scholars assembled outside of the original Penn School House. SOUTH CAROLINA African American 2020 History CALENDAR

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28 29 30 1 2 3 4 1965 - Students working on the Southern Christian Leadership Conference’s Project SCOPE summer project near Charleston were arrested for trespassing at 1992 - Dr. Edward Sawyer Cooper, 1964 - President Lyndon B. Edisto Beach State Park, which a native of Columbia and a Johnson signed the Civil Rights had been closed since 1956, when professor at the University of Act into law, banning segregation the S.C. General Assembly resisted Pennsylvania, began his tenure as in public places and outlawing 1910 - Civil rights leader and legal campaigns for integration. the first African American president employment discrimination on the businessman, Esau Jenkins was of the American Heart Association. basis of race. born on Johns Island, S.C. Independence Day 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 1947 - Camden, S.C. native, 1875 - Educator, civic Larry Doby, was signed to the leader, and political advisor Dr. Cleveland Indians, becoming the Mary McLeod Bethune was born in first African American to play in the Mayesville, S.C. American League. 2015 - Following the death of 9 parishioners at Charleston’s Mother 1963 - Judge 1979 - Matthew J. Perry Jr., a Emanuel A.M.E. Church, public ordered all state parks to graduate of the SC State Law protest, and intense debates in the desegregate. Instead, the South School in Orangeburg, was General Assembly, S.C. Governor Carolina Forestry Commission nominated by President Jimmy Nikki Haley signed a bill to remove closed all state parks. Judge Carter as a judge for the U.S. the Confederate flag from the Martin also ordered the University District Court for the District of S.C. state capitol grounds. of South Carolina to desegregate. 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

1960 - A group of students, known as the “Greenville Eight” were arrested for disorderly conduct when they staged a sit-in at a Greenville library. The students, 1863 - Distinguished mathe- including Jesse L. Jackson, were matician, essayist, and Howard counseled by the Rev. James S. University professor Dr. Kelly Miller Hall, the pastor of Greenville’s was born in Winnsboro where he Springfield Baptist Church. attended the Fairfield Institute. 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

1942 - Columbia NAACP President 1966 - S.C. State Parks were Rev. E.A. Adams and other reopened as fully integrated members of the state conference facilities after being closed by formed the Negro Citizens the South Carolina Forestry Committee of South Carolina (NCC) Commission in response to Brown v. to rally support for a voting rights S.C. Forestry Commission. campaign. 26 27 28 29 30 31 1

1967 - Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke at the Charleston County Hall. He is joined by local leaders including Esau Jenkins, Septima P. Clark, Z. L. Grady, Daniel Martin, Herbert Fielding, and James E. Clyburn.

Learn more about the 2020 honorees at www.scafricanamerican.com SOUTH CAROLINA African American 2020 Rev. Joseph H. Neal was born on August right of all South Carolinians to a clean 31, 1950 to the late Mrs. Laverne Kohn Neal and a healthy environment. In the General History and the late Rev. C.R. Neal of Hopkins, Assembly, Rev. Neal served as Assistant CALENDAR S.C. He was the third of four children. His Democratic Leader and as Chair of the compassion for people at an early age South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus. A foreshadowed his community activism, crowning moment of his legislative career call to the ministry, and public service was his televised remarks on the State for social justice. House floor to remove the Confederate flag from the State House in 2015. It is widely Rev. Neal was educated in the public recognized as one of the most moving schools of Richland County and graduated speeches that contributed to the passage from C.A. Johnson High School in 1968. of legislation that removed the Confederate Subsequently, he earned a B.A. degree flag after 53 years. in Psychology from Benedict College and pursued post-graduate studies at Colgate Rev. Neal was a compassionate force School of Divinity and the Pittsburgh who gave voice to the voiceless and Theological Seminary. He received an stood tall for those who could not. In honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from addition to being the co-chair of the South Benedict College. Carolina Progressive Network, Neal was also a member of the NAACP, the Kappa While pastor for 30 years of Calvary Baptist Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and many other Church in Chester, Rev. Neal was elected organizations. The Joseph H. Neal Health to the S.C. House of Representatives in Collaborative in Columbia is named in his 1992 and served 25 years representing honor. He passed away on February 14, 2017. District 70. During his tenure, he sponsored numerous pieces of social justice legislation aimed at improving the quality of life for Joe Neal all South Carolinians. He was responsible for the introduction and passage of South Carolina’s first anti-racial profiling legislation that became law in 2005. As a constant voice for clean water and environmental justice, he sponsored legislation, the Environmental Bill of Rights, each year for 25 years to amend the South Carolina Constitution to codify the fundamental

Penn Center The original Penn School House was built in three separate parts in the North, shipped down to the Atlantic Coast, and brought onto Penn School’s campus in 1865. This was the first pre-fabricated building in the South. In this photograph, teachers and scholars are gathered in the morning before class. SOUTH CAROLINA African American 2020 History CALENDAR

August

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1894 - Benjamin Elijah Mays, 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 educator, social activist, mentor to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and the President of Morehouse College was 1957 - In Rock Hill, the NAACP and 1810 - Robert Purvis, an 1965 - President Lyndon B. Johnson born in the Local for Promotion of Human abolitionist, participant in the signed the Voting Rights Act Epworth, Rights group, led by Rev. Cecil Underground Railroad, and a into law, enforcing the fifteenth S.C. A. Ivory, began a bus boycott to founder of the American Anti- amendment and helping to protest racial segregation in public Slavery Society, was born in guarantee the right to vote for all transportation. Charleston, S.C. Americans, regardless of race. 8

9 10 11 12 13 1946 - Black voters in 14 15 Columbia, including George Elmore, a native of Holly Hill, attempted to vote in the August primary but were turned away by Democratic Party officials. Harold Boulware, the head of the state NAACP legal committee, filed 1883 - , a class action lawsuit, Elmore v. biologist, Dartmouth College 1965 - Tony Award, Academy 1922 - One of the first African Rice. In a ruling supporting Elmore, graduate, recipient of the NAACP Award, and Emmy Award winning American models in the U.S., federal judge J. Waites Waring Spingarn Medal, and a founder of actress Viola Davis was born in St. Ophelia DeVore-Mitchell was born declared that it “is time for South the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Matthews, S.C. in Edgefield, S.C. Carolina to rejoin the Union.” was born in Charleston, S.C. 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

1849 - Archibald Grimke, one of the first African Americans to attend Harvard Law School and a recipient of the NAACP Spingarn Medal, was born near Charleston, S.C. Senior Citizens Day

23 24 25 26 1955 - Charleston, S.C. 27 28 29 Cannon Street YMCA All- Stars were named state little league baseball champions after all white 1963 - South Carolinians joined teams refused to play them. Little 1963 - Several days before Henrie over 250,000 in Washington, DC 1862 - Following appeals by Civil League Baseball World Series officials Monteith was set to desegregate for the March on Washington for War hero Robert Smalls and ruled their state championship the University of South Carolina, Jobs and Freedom. Sumter native others, President Abraham Lincoln invalid, denying them the chance to a bomb exploded on her family James T. McCain, a leader in the authorized the creation of the First compete in the World Series. property near Columbia. Despite Congress on Racial Equality (CORE) South Carolina Volunteer Infantry the violence, Monteith and her joined others in coordinating Regiment Volunteers, an all-black Women’s family remained undeterred the logistics of the March. South military regiment who served during in their efforts to challenge Carolinian Dr. Benjamin E. Mays the Civil War. Equality Day segregation in higher education. delivered the benediction. 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 1960 - Rev. I. DeQuincey Newman led a group of civil rights activists to attempt a “wade-in” at Myrtle Beach State Park. Park officials denied the group entry and closed the park. After being arrested near Conway for “driving too fast,” the police escorted Rev. Newman’s group to the Horry County line where they were then chased by a white mob.

Learn more about the 2020 honorees at www.scafricanamerican.com SOUTH CAROLINA African 2020 American As an educator and community leader, Presently, Norris is a Greenville County Xanthene Sayles Norris has established Councilwoman. She has been elected for History an exemplary career of public service five terms since 1997 and represents District CALENDAR and civic engagement. 23. Councilwoman Norris is Chairman Pro Tem of Greenville County Council. She Born in Winston Salem, N.C., Norris grew up currently serves on the Finance Committee and attended public schools in Greenville, and is Vice Chairman of the Public Safety S.C. She graduated from Sterling High and Human Services Committee. She is a School in 1946 as the valedictorian of her Trustee, the College Ministry Chair, and the class. She earned a bachelor’s degree Personnel Chair of the historic Springfield from Clark College in Atlanta, Ga. and a Baptist Church. Additionally, Norris is a life master’s degree from Furman University in member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Greenville. She is a retired educator who Inc., a life member of the NAACP, a board served as a Greenville County teacher, member of the Peace Center, and the past high school counselor, and adult United Negro College Fund Upstate Chair. education director. In 2016, the Greenville Business Magazine selected Norris as one of the fifty most Norris was the Past Executive Director influential people in Greenville. of the local Miss America Palmetto Scholarship Program, and presently is Chairman of the A.J. Whittenberg Academic Scholarship. She has been an annual Greenville County Democratic Party State Convention delegate since 1997 and was a State Democratic Party delegate to the 2004 and 2012 Democratic Party National Conventions. Xanthene

Because of her diplomacy, initiative, Norris and determination to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Greenville County officially observed the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday for the first time, on January 16, 2006, and as a continuing national celebration.

Penn Center Penn School students attending a woodworking class in the Cope Industrial Shop in 1912. Rededicated in April 1999, the Cope Shop now houses the York W. Bailey Museum, named after the first African American physician on St. Helena Island. Dr. Bailey graduated from Penn School and received his medical degree from Howard University. September

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1983 - Jasper Cureton, a native of 1869 - Anna DeCosta Banks, RN, a 1963 - Following the court ruling Oconee County and a graduate of graduate of Hampton Institute and Millicent Brown et al. v. Charleston South Carolina State College and a pioneer in the nursing profession, County School Board, District the University of South Carolina, was born in Charleston, S.C. A 20, 11 African American students was sworn in as the first African wing of the Medical University of desegregated Charleston County American member of a newly South Carolina (MUSC) is named schools, setting stage for school formed S.C. Appeals Court. in her honor. desegregation across S.C.

1867 - Celia Mann, a free 6 7 woman of color and a midwife, 8 9 10 11 12 died in Columbia at 68 years of age. According to family oral tradition, Celia was born into slavery in 1739 - The Stono Rebellion Charleston, gained her freedom, occurs at Stono Bridge, South of and walked to Columbia. She and Charleston. This large-scale act her husband, Ben DeLane, owned 2004 - Joseph A. De Laine, Levi of resistance among enslaved 1963 - Henrie Monteith, James L. their own property, now the site of Pearson, and Harry and Eliza Briggs African Americans who demanded Solomon Jr., and Robert Anderson the Mann-Simons cottage that was were posthumously awarded their freedom struck fear in white enrolled at the University of South maintained by their descendants. the Congressional Gold Medal citizens who responded with Carolina, becoming the first in recognition of their civil rights violent assaults and even tighter African Americans to attend since Labor Day struggles in Clarendon County. slave codes and regulations. Reconstruction. 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

1931 - Brook Benton [Benjamin Franklin Peay], American soul vocalist, was born in Lugoff, S.C. Rosh Hashanah Constitution Day Begins 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 1953 - NAACP attorney spoke at Allen University and received a $5000 check from the SC NAACP to support legal challenges to segregation, including the pending Briggs v. Elliott case before the U.S. Supreme Court. Rosh Hashanah Ends Fall Begins 27 28 29 30 1 2 3 1959 - Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. began holding a series of meetings of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) in 1935 - Mamie “Peanut” Johnson, Columbia. the only woman to pitch for the Negro Major League was born in 1997 - Alex English, a native of Ridgeway, S.C. In 1954, she was Columbia, a standout University of signed to play for the Indianapolis South Carolina basketball player, Clowns. and a prolific NBA scorer, was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Yom Kippur Fame in Springfield, Ma.

Learn more about the 2020 honorees at www.scafricanamerican.com SOUTH CAROLINA African 2020 American George Rogers, a native of Duluth, Ga., has Saints and three with the Washington always had a love for football. A standout Redskins, where he won a Super Bowl title History at Duluth High School, Rogers decided to in 1987. Rogers retired after the 1987 season CALENDAR attend the University of South Carolina and finished his NFL career with 7,176 when coach Jim Carlen told him that he rushing yards and 54 touchdowns. could play in his freshman year. Rogers is the first in his immediate family Rogers rushed for 623 yards as a to attend and graduate from college. He freshman and then tallied 1,006 yards created an endowment to the University as a sophomore while splitting time with of South Carolina, and as a way of paying Johnnie Wright. However, Rogers’ junior it forward, started the George Rogers season launched him into the national Foundation of the Carolinas, Inc., in spotlight. He finished with 1,681 yards 1991. The foundation provides financial and eight touchdowns to earn assistance to first-generation college All-American honors. students and supports community- based youth development, non-profit During his senior year, Rogers led the nation organizations. His foundation made a in rushing with 1,781 yards while scoring $75,000 commitment to the University of 14 touchdowns and unanimously earning South Carolina Student Athlete Promise All-American honors. In December 1980, Fund, which helps former student-athletes Rogers bested University of Pittsburgh return to complete their degrees. defensive lineman Hugh Green and University of Georgia running back Rogers is a member of the New Orleans Herschel Walker to win the Heisman Saints Hall of Fame, College Football Hall of trophy. Rogers is the first and only college Fame, Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, South football athlete in the state of South Carolina Football Hall of Fame, Atlanta Carolina to win the Heisman. Sports Hall of Fame and his number 38 is George Rogers retired at the University of South Carolina. Selected as the first overall pick in the A statue of Rogers was dedicated at the National Football League (NFL) draft by the University of South Carolina’s Williams-Brice New Orleans Saints in 1981, Rogers spent Stadium in 2015. seven seasons in the NFL. He rushed for 1,674 yards as a rookie, which ranks second all-time to Eric Dickerson on the single- season, rookie rushing yards record. Rogers played four seasons with the New Orleans

Penn Center Penn School had many extracurricular activities, including basketball. This is a photograph of the men’s basketball team in 1941. The school had both a boys and girls basketball team. SOUTH CAROLINA African American 2020 History CALENDAR

October

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1873 - Henry E. Hayne, the black 1862 - The New South newspaper Republican Secretary of State of in Beaufort reports about plans S.C., registered as a student in to develop a “Negro village” that the University of South Carolina’s will provide African Americans Medical School, becoming the first “more comfort and freedom of known African American student in improvement” on Hilton Head the university’s history. His enrolled 1941 - Civil rights leader and two- Island. The village would soon be led to the departure of white time presidential candidate Jesse known as Mitchelville. students and professors. Jackson was born in Greenville, S.C.

11 12 13 14 15 1960 - Students from Allen 16 1868 - Benjamin F. Randolph, 17 University & Benedict College state senator and chairman formed the Student Conference for of the state Republican party, was Human Rights in order to aid cross assassinated as he campaigned at 1964 - When Reverend Dr. Martin campus & city-wide organizing. Hodges Depot in Abbeville, S.C. 1891 - Friendship Institute, a private Luther King Jr. was awarded the school in Rock Hill held its first Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, Norway, 1967 - Winnsboro native Sergeant 1872 - During an election for state classes. Later, named Friendship he was joined by a number of close 1st Class Webster Anderson of the officers, the following African 1871 - President Ulysses Grant Junior College, the school associates, including Charleston 101st Airborne Division was severely Americans were elected: Richard suspended the writ of habeas trained generations of ministers, educator Septima P. Clark, who injured while successfully defending Gleaves, Lieutenant Governor; corpus and declared martial law educators, and other professionals directed citizenship training his artillery position from sustained Henry E. Hayne, Secretary of in nine S.C. counties affected by from around the state until it programs for King’s Southern enemy attack. He was awarded the State; and Francis Cardoza, white Ku Klux Klan attacks and closed in 1981. Christian Leadership Conference. Congressional Medal of Honor. State Treasurer. violence. 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

1946 - The Southern Negro Youth 1945 - Unionized workers from Congress held a series of civil rights the Charleston American Tobacco sessions in Columbia, attracting Company Cigar Factor, comprised students from across the nation largely of African American women and other countries. Speakers and men, launched a five-month included Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois, singer strike demanding better wages and , and Columbia working conditions. One of their organizers, Modjeska Monteith 1917 - John Birks “Dizzy” Gillespie, protest songs, “We Will Overcome” Simkins, John H. McCray, and Dr. jazz trumpeter and Bebop was later revised into the civil rights Annie Belle Weston. musician, was born in Cheraw, S.C. anthem “.” United Nations Day 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

1983 - Rev. I. DeQuincey Newman, a native of Darlington County, was elected as a S.C. State Senator from Richland County, becoming the first African American to serve since 1888. Halloween

Learn more about the 2020 honorees at www.scafricanamerican.com SOUTH CAROLINA African American 2020 Nathaniel and Viola Stewart were a delegate to the 1944 regional conference. trailblazing couple who left an enduring She later became the sorority’s Philacter History mark in African American history. They met or corresponding secretary. Mrs. Stewart CALENDAR on a blind date in 1945, and after falling in passed away on December 10, 2010. love, were married for more than 50 years. Nathaniel C. Stewart, Viola’s husband, Viola Duvall Stewart, born June 30, was born July 8, 1922 in Ft. Motte, S.C. He 1919, in Charleston, S.C., was an unsung earned the rank of Second Lieutenant, in educational justice advocate and civil the 99th Pursuit Squadron of the United rights pioneer. She earned a B.S. degree in States Army Air Corps, as a member of the chemistry in 1941 from Howard University, famed Tuskegee Airmen. He was an integral where Nobel Peace Prize winner Ralph part of the successful effort that fought Bunche was one of her instructors. While a and defeated foreign fascism and racial teacher at Burke High School in Charleston, segregation in the United States military. Viola was recruited by the South Carolina After his discharge from the Corps in NAACP to be the plaintiff in an African 1946, he went to work at the Philadelphia American teachers’ equalization salary General Hospital as a staff pharmacist. case. Her case went to trial in 1944 and Once promoted to Director of Pharmacy, she was represented by NAACP Chief he was designated as the first African Counsel Thurgood Marshall with federal American to hold a senior administration judge J. Waites Waring presiding over position at the hospital. Nathaniel was a the case. In less than 15 minutes, without Lifetime Member of the Kappa Alpha Psi either side making an argument, the case Fraternity, Inc. Mr. Stewart passed away on was decided in favor of the plaintiff, Viola April 6, 2000. Duvall. The case, Duvall v. J.F. Seignous et al., led to other lawsuits that challenged Participants in the 1963 March on inequities in African American teacher Washington where Dr. Martin Luther King Nathaniel & salaries across South Carolina. Jr. delivered his “” address, the Stewarts remained active in the civil Viola Stewart Later in Viola’s career, she became an rights movement as NAACP Life Members. itinerate special education instructor In 2010, their lifetime commitment to with visually impaired children in the justice and equality were recognized by Philadelphia, Pa. public schools. She the Honorable James E. Clyburn in the retired in 1981. She was a Charter Life Congressional Record. member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., where she served as Epistoleus and

Penn Center A Penn Center graduating class is pictured in front of Darrah Hall, originally built in 1882. SOUTH CAROLINA African American 2020 History CALENDAR

November

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1 2 3 1898 - SC State College 4 5 6 7 (University) is established.

1970 - Herbert Fielding, I.S. Leevy Johnson, and James Felder were elected to the S.C. General Assembly, becoming the first African Americans since 1902. 1983 - Jesse L. Jackson, a native 1974 - Juanita Willmon Goggins, of Greenville and a graduate of a native of Pendleton and a 1992 - James E. Clyburn, a native Sterling High School, launched longtime educator, became the All Saints’ Day of Sumter, was elected to the U.S. a campaign to be the Democratic first black woman elected to Congress, the first African American Party nominee for President of the the S.C. General Assembly. She Daylight Savings Ends from S.C. to serve since the 1890s. United States. represented the Rock Hill area. 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

1944 - Dr. Jr. was born in Denmark, S.C. He was the 1939 - Twenty-nine representatives only person convicted and jailed from branches around S.C. met in for events at the Orangeburg the library at Benedict College in Massacre, a 1968 civil rights protest Columbia and founded the South in which three students were killed Carolina NAACP State Conference by state highway patrol officers. of Branches. Veterans Day 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

1926 - Nathaniel Jerome Frederick, a Columbia educator, journalist, and NAACP attorney, is hailed 1947 - Aided by the NAACP, John as the “bravest man in South Wrighten sued to integrate the Carolina” by the Palmetto Leader law school at the University of newspaper. Frederick was praised South Carolina. Rather than permit for defending the Lowmans, an him to enroll, the state of S.C. African American family in Aiken funded the creation of a separate County who had been accused of law school at segregated South killing the local white sheriff. Carolina State College. 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

1872 - The S.C. General Assembly met in Columbia and named 1955 - NAACP attorney Thurgood four African Americans to the Marshall spoke before an audience seven-man governing board of of 3000 people at Columbia’s the University of South Carolina: Township Auditorium. He later 1874 - After serving in the U.S. Samuel J. Lee, James A. Bowley spoke before 1500 people in Congress, Robert B. Elliott was (a relative of Harriet Tubman), Orangeburg on Claflin University’s elected Speaker of the Lower Stephen A. Swails, and W.R. Jervey. campus. House of the S.C. Legislature during the Reconstruction era. Thanksgiving Black Friday 29 30 1 2 3 4 5

Learn more about the 2020 honorees at www.scafricanamerican.com SOUTH CAROLINA African 2020 American For four generations, the Taylor Brothers Technical College graduate, and fraternal Construction Company, Inc. has operated twins Donald and Ronald in the 1970s, History an African American owned heavy both of whom are CALENDAR construction business in Columbia, S.C. graduates. As subcontractors, the company Started in the late 1930s by Samuel specializes in on-site preparation, trucking, Thomas “Papa” Taylor, and aided by hauling, water, sewage, demolition, and a mule and a drag pan, the company recycling work with the SCDOT and other prepared commercial and residential sites general contractors. The business was and sold wood. incorporated in 1982.

The business expanded during the 1940s Driven by the desire to improve the quality into hauling and building material delivery of life for its community, associates, families, when Papa Taylor’s sons, Robert and and clients, Taylor Brothers Construction, Samuel, returned from World War II. Soon Inc. has developed a diverse regional Robert and Samuel’s wives, Mary Clarkson portfolio. The company’s projects include “Mae’’ Taylor and Onalee Davis Taylor basements on Columbia’s Main Street, joined the company as staff in a small subdivisions, office parks, places of worship, office on Gervais Street, in the historic and the University of South Carolina’s Darla Waverly community. During this period, Moore School of Business and School of the Taylors excavated the location for the Law. Bellas-Hess department store in downtown Columbia and prepared the site for one of As a family and business, Taylor Brothers Columbia’s first shopping centers, Midlands fosters the development of other minority Shopping Center on Two Notch Road. contractors, faith-based organizations, Taylor Brothers also became one of the first schools, and community events. These minority-owned subcontractors to provide generous efforts have been recognized by hauling services to a new United States Air the SCDOT and the National Association Force Base in Horry County. of Minority Contractors (NAMC), among others. The company’s proud motto is, “We The Taylor The family’s high standards and Move the Earth to Build a Better World.’’ commitment to the community continued Family in the 1960s when Robert “Butch” Jr. and the late Kenneth Taylor, graduates of Benedict College, became the third generation to join the company. The two were followed by Collier, a Midlands

Penn Center In this photograph teachers pose outside the Cope Shop in 1913, a year after the industrial building’s dedication at the 50th anniversary celebration. December

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29 30 1 1994 - Ernest A. Finney Jr., a 2 3 4 5 lawyer practicing in Sumter 1899 - Modjeska Monteith and a former member of the Simkins, educator, journalist, General Assembly, was sworn in human rights activist, and a as the first African American Chief founder of the South Carolina Justice of the S.C. Supreme Court. NAACP, was born in Columbia.

1980 - George Rogers, a University 1902 - Annie Green Nelson, one of South Carolina standout player South Carolina’s first known, was awarded the Heisman Trophy in published, female African New York City. American authors, was born in Darlington County. Nelson later World Aids Day moves to Columbia.

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1963 - Facing protest, five movie theaters in Columbia, S.C. agreed to a gradual desegre- gation plan where only two African American patrons were admitted during a showing. 1980 - J.C. Caroline, a standout football player at Columbia’s Booker 1870 - Joseph Hayne Rainey, born T. Washington High School, an in Georgetown, S.C., was elected All-American at the University of to Congress and becomes the first Pearl Harbor Illinois, and a defensive back for the Human Rights Day African American seated in the U.S. Chicago Bears, was inducted to the House of Representatives. He served Remembrance Day College Football Hall of Fame. Hanukkah Begins until March 3, 1879. 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

2003 - Essie Mae Washington- Williams acknowledged that her father was Strom Thurmond, a longtime U.S. Senator and a 1971 - The South Carolina NAACP former governor who championed held a special appreciation segregation. 1967 - St. Julian Devine was sworn program in Cheraw for one of its in as the first African American founders, Levi G. Byrd, a skilled 2012 - Appointed by Gov. Nikki member of the Charleston City plumber who served for many years Haley, Tim Scott became the first Council since the 1870s. as the organization’s treasurer. African American from S.C. to serve NAACP leader delivered in the U.S. Senate. Hanukkah Ends the keynote address. 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

1863 - Robert Blake, powder boy 1865 - S.C. issues one of the first aboard the U.S.S. Marblelhead, set of black codes “to regulate was the first black awarded the the relations of persons of color.” Medal of Honor “for conspicuous The codes addressed a number of gallantry, extraordinary heroism, issues, including illegal interracial and intrepidity at the risk of his own marriages, master apprentice life” in a battle that occurred off the 1860 - South Carolina seceded relations, and service contracts. coast of S.C. from the union to preserve the institution of slavery. Winter Solstice Christmas Eve Christmas Day Kwanzaa Begins 27 28 29 30 31 1 2

New Year’s Day New Year’s Eve Kwanzaa Ends

Learn more about the 2020 honorees at www.scafricanamerican.com 2020 SOUTH CAROLINA African American History Calendar Honorees

Vivian Reubin Mignon Richard Benjamin James Roy Joe Xanthene George Nathaniel & The Taylor Ayers Allen Bookert Clyburn Fields James Glover Hall Jones Neal Norris Rogers Viola Stewart Family

Penn Center

Founded in 1862, Penn School was Later, in the 1960s, Penn Center In 2017, President Barack Obama The historical photos of Penn Center one of the first academic schools in played a key role for social justice. declared Penn Center a found in the 2020 African American the South established by Northern The center helped usher in the Civil Reconstruction Era National History Calendar come from its “Penn missionaries. Their goal was to Rights Movement and served as the Monument. Penn Center continues School Collection.” The images are provide a formal education for only location in South Carolina where to thrive as it promotes historic archived at the University of North previously enslaved West Africans. interracial groups, such as Dr. Martin preservation and acts as a catalyst Carolina, Chapel Hill in the Wilson After the school closed in 1948, Penn Luther King Jr., the Southern for economic sustainability Library and are the property of Penn became the first African American Christian Leadership Conference, and throughout the Sea Islands. Its Center, Inc. site in South Carolina with the the Peace Corps, could have far-reaching impact on local, primary purpose of safeguarding sanctuary in an era of mandated national, and international FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT the heritage of a segregation. communities has been the greatest PENN CENTER, VISIT PENNCENTER.COM Geechee community. legacy of Penn Center’s history.