Noted African Americans

Learn about noted African Americans, many born in South Carolina, with local and national accomplishments.

Modjeska Simkins, Civil Rights Advocate | Periscope
Modjeska Simkins, Civil Rights Advocate | Periscope
Episode 6

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In the 1950s, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. became known as the leader of the civil rights movement. More than 20 years before Dr. King, Modjeska Simkins began her own work for the civil rights of...
Mary McLeod Bethune, Educator | Periscope
Mary McLeod Bethune, Educator | Periscope
Episode 3

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At a time when there were few educational opportunities for African Americans, Mary McLeod Bethune created schools and a thriving college for them. Mary was born in Mayesville, South Carolina to freed...
Drink Small Photos | Digital Traditions
Drink Small Photos | Digital Traditions

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Few vernacular art forms have made as impressive a mark on American culture as the Blues. From the expressive experiences of African-American life, skilled musicians fashioned a distinctive idiom that...
Isaac W. Williams  ( ?-2008) | Road Trip
Isaac W. Williams ( ?-2008) | Road Trip

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Isaac “Ike” Williams was known as “Mr. NAACP.” for his many leadership roles in the organization. Williams was born in Charleston and has ten siblings. He was introduced to the NAACP as a youth. While...
Cecil J. Williams | Road Trip
Cecil J. Williams | Road Trip

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Cecil J. Williams is the author of Freedom & Justice. He is a noted civil rights photographer. At 14-years old, Williams was hired by JET Magazine to record the images of the civil rights movement in...
Victoria Way DeLee (1925-2010) | Road Trip
Victoria Way DeLee (1925-2010) | Road Trip

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Victoria Way DeLee, Courtesy of Modern Political Collection, USC Considered a grass roots activist, Victoria Way DeLee's fervent faith in God and her early childhood experiences fueled her involvement...
Judge J. Waties Waring (1880-1968) | Road Trip
Judge J. Waties Waring (1880-1968) | Road Trip

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In 1947 Judge J. Waties Waring's monumental ruling in the George Elmore suit (Elmore v. Rice) eliminated the all-white Democratic primary system in South Carolina. For the first time since 1876, the...