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Civil Rights Movement

Civil Rights Movement

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Interview with Herman K. Harris

Herman K. Harris

Rev. Herman K. Harris II (1939-1988) discusses his family background, growing up in Heath Springs, SC, the Civil Rights movement in the south (Rock Hill in particular), the Freedom Riders, Friendship College, drugs, students in general and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Rev. Harris was involved in the movement from 1959 through 1964 and was arrested 33 times in the process. He participated in the Freedom Rides and was among those beaten in Anniston, Alabama. He attended Friendship College in Rock Hill, SC and graduated from Morris College in 1964. This interview took place on May 7, 1979 and May 11, 1979 and was conducted by Mr. Kenneth M. Nelson.
Interview with Edward "Ed" Harris, Brenda Dow, and Sylvester King - OH 296

Edward Harris, Brenda Dow, and Sylvester King

In May of 2013 Mr. Edward Harris sat down and discussed his brother, Herman K. Harris, who was a part of the freedom riders. Mr. Harris also discusses his military service and his tour of duty in Vietnam. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.
Interview with Doris "Dorothy" Ezell Schmitz

Doris Ezell-Schmitz

In her December 11, 2012 interview with Robert Ryals, Doris Schmitz detailed her time at Winthrop during the era of desegregation and social unrest. Schmitz recalls the Civil Rights movement in Rock Hill and her family’s involvement. In particular, Schmitz describes her perception of the similarities and differences between white and black students during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Schmitz also recalls the courses and professors that had a profound effect on her future career as an educator. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.
Interview with John Gaines - OH 665

John Gaines
Interview with Clarence Henry Graham - OH 668

Clarence Henry Graham

This interview was conducted by Dr. George Garrison with Clarence Graham for his Emmett Scott project. Clarence Henry Graham (1942-2016) grew up in Rock Hill, South Carolina. He graduated Emmett Scott High School in 1959. Emmett Scott High School was the segregates school for African-Americans in Rock Hill. It was named after Emmett Scott, a former aide to Booker T. Washington and President Woodrow Wilson. The school was opened in 1920 and closed in 1970 following full integration implemented in Rock Hill schools. Mr. Graham also attended Friendship Junior College and was one of the chief organizers of the Friendship Nine, a group of students that participated in non-violent Civil Rights protests. He spent 30 days in York County jail following his arrest and conviction for trespassing during a sit-in at McCrory’s lunch counter. Their slogan “Jail, no bail” was a rallying cry during the Civil Rights Movement in Rock Hill. In this interview Mr. Graham discusses his experiences during the Civil rights Movement and his treatment in the judicial system. He also discusses growing up in the Rock Hill area, attending Emmett Scott High School and Friendship Junior College and those influences on his participating in the Civil Rights Movement. Mr. Graham also discusses his service in the Vietnam War, as well as his work in social services until he retired. He discusses his experiences with the renewed interest in the Friendship Nine in recent years as well.
Interview with James F. Wells - OH 682

James F. Wells

This interview was conducted by Dr. George Garrison with James Wells with a focus on the History of Emmett Scott High School. Emmett Scott was the segregated high school for African-Americans, which was named after Emmett Scott, a former aide to Booker T. Washington and President Woodrow Wilson. The school opened in 1920 and was closed in 1970 when full integration was implemented in Rock Hill, SC schools. Mr. James F. Wells (b. ca. 1942 - d. 2018) was a native of Rock Hill, SC and graduated from Emmett Scott High School in 1959 and attended Friendship Junior College. He was a member of a South Carolina civil rights group known as the Friendship Nine and spent a month in jail in 1961 after he and eight other black men were charged with trespassing at a whites-only lunch counter (McCrory’s) in Rock Hill. The men, who were attending nearby Friendship Junior College, chose to spend time in jail rather than pay a fine in what was called the "jail, no bail" movement. Their time on a chain gang in York County encouraged protesters to stay in jail to fight segregation, Jim Crow laws and other forms of racism. In the interview Mr. Wells discusses his experiences growing up in the area, attending the Emmett Scott High School and Friendship Junior College, his role in the Friendship Nine, and the Civil Rights movement in general.
Interview with David Williamson, Jr. - OH 669

David Williamson Jr., Emmett Scott High School, Friendship College, Friendship Nine, and Civil Rights

This interview was conducted by Dr. George Garrison with David Williamson for his Emmett Scott History Project. David Williamson was a member of the Friendship Nine that participated in nonviolent protests in Rock Hill South Carolina. The Friendship Nine spent 30 days in jail in 1961 after being convicted of trespassing for sitting at an all-white lunch counter at McCrory’s. This sparked the “Jail, No Bail” strategy that developed as a part of the Civil Rights Movement and protests. Mr. Williamson grew up in Rock Hill and attended Emmett Scott High School and Friendship Junior College. Emmett Scott was the segregated high school for African Americans which was named for Emmett Scott a former aide to Booker T. Washington and President Woodrow Wilson. The school was opened in 1920 and closed in 1970 when full integration was implemented in the Rock Hill School district. Mr. Williamson discusses his childhood and growing up in the black community of Rock Hill. He details his education and experiences at Emmett Scott High School as well as the impact that school made on him and the black community in general. Mr. Isaiah Reid is also present in the interview and relates how the school impacted the local community.
Interview with Gladys Boulware - OH 679

Gladys Boulware

This interview was conducted by Dr. George Garrison with Gladys Boulware for his History of Emmett Scott project. Emmett Scott High School was the segregated school for African Americans in Rock Hill, South Carolina. It was named for Emmett Scott, a former aide for Booker T. Washington and President Woodrow Wilson. The school was opened in 1920 and closed down in 1970 with the full integration of the Rock Hill School District. Mrs. Boulware was a teacher at Emmett Scott High School and was the wife of Richard Boulware, a former principal at Emmett Scott. Mrs. Boulware discusses her experience in the South Carolina education system as both a student and an educator. She details her experiences during the Civil Rights Movement involving the sit-ins, integration, and walk-outs of the students in Rock Hill. Mrs. Boulware also discusses the actions of the administration to accommodate as well as hinder the integration of the district.
Interview with Jane H. Adams - OH 241

Jane H. Adams

In her 1996 interview with Ron Chepesiuk, Jane Adams described her time as a 1960s radical. She covered various topics, including bohemians, socialism, beatniks, civil rights, women’s liberation and consciousness, the Vietnam War, counterculture, and World War II. Adams also discussed the Student Peace Union, SNCC and its factions, Progressive Labor, prairie populism, feminism, the Anita Hill-Clarence Thomas hearings, and other ‘60s activists. Adams also briefly discussed her current work with the indigenous people of Latin America and her work as a professor. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.
Interview with St. Julian F. Devine - OH 207

St. Julian F. Devine

In his interview with Michael Cooke, St. Julian F. Devine (1916-2000) discusses his life and experiences in the Charleston, South Carolina area. Mr. Devine details his work with the South Carolina Progressive Democratic Party as well as various other political organizations such as the Palmetto Voters Association. He also details his political work in the Charleston, South Carolina area. Devine served on the Charleston City Council from 1967 to 1975, making him the first African American member on the council since Reconstruction. He also served as Mayor Pro Tem in 1975. Mr. Devine was a very active participant in the Civil Rights Movement and efforts to improve the lives of the black community.
Interview with John Henry McCray - OH 212

John Henry McCray

John Henry McCray (1910-1987) was a journalist, newspaper publisher, politician, civil rights activist who was instrumental in forming the Progressive Democratic Party which was the African American party of choice throughout the South including many counties in South Carolina. In this interview, Mr. McCray discusses Jim Crow Laws, African American voter registration, Aa newspaper called the Black National Farmer's Paper which which he founded. This newspaper was an early voice for civil rights.
Interview with Reverend Thomas J. Moore - OH 210

Thomas J. Moore

In his interview with Michael Cooke, Reverend Thomas J. Moore (1922-1989) discusses his participation in the Progressive Democratic Party and their efforts during the Civil Rights Movement. Mr. Moore details his experiences growing up and living in Marion South Carolina. He discusses the impact the Progressive Democratic Party had on the area around Marion as well as the State of South Carolina in improving the lives of the black community. He also discusses the Warring Decision which did away with the Literacy Test in South Carolina, African American voter registration, and Jim Crow Laws.
Interview with Mary Agnes Morgan - OH 251

Mary Agnes Morgan

In her interview with Michael Cooke, Mary Agnes Morgan discusses growing up in South Carolina, her education, and her experience with the Progressive Democratic Party. Mrs. Morgan details the impact the Progressive Democratic Party had on the local black community of Mullins, South Carolina. She also discusses how private education was established in the South for African Americans, the rise of African American politics in the South and race equality.
Interview with John Hope Franklin

John Hope Franklin

This interview was conducted with Dr. John Hope Franklin (1915-2009) on April 12, 1985 by Ron Chepesiuk. Dr. Franklin is a renowned historian and author of the black experience drawing from both his own background and his research into history. He has published over twenty books both as a single author and in collaboration. Dr. Franklin discusses his family history, growing in an all-black community and childhood education. He also details his experiences with racial discrimination during and after his education. Dr. Franklin discusses his work in the Civil Rights Movement alongside Thurgood Marshall and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He also details his opinion of the status of the African American community under the Reagan administration. He also discusses his hobby of orchid growing and having an orchid named in his honor.
Interview with James L. Felder

James L. Felder
Interview with Septima Poinsette Clark - OH 129

Septima Poinsette Clark

This interview with Septima P. Clark was conducted by Mary Ann Wright for a Winthrop College class project on April 10, 1981. Septima Poinsette Clark (1898-1987) was an African-American educator and Civil Rights Activist from Charleston, South Carolina. Dr. Clark discusses her family background and the influence that had on her life. Her mother was raised in Haiti and taught by the English while her father was a slave on the Joel Poinsett plantation. She details her experience growing up in Charleston during segregation and the struggle for education. Dr. Clark discusses her career as an educator and activist for education. Dr. Clark was pivotal in the voter registration movement across the South. She developed and led many handwriting clinics and education workshops in her Citizenship Education Program. Her work with the NAACP and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is discussed in detail. Dr. Clark has received many awards and recognition including the Living Legacy Award given to her by President Carter and her honorary Doctorate of Letters degree from the College of Charleston.
Interview with Queen Ann Butler Roseborough Davis - OH 124

Queen Ann Butler Roseborough Davis

This interview was conducted by Reginald Gladney with Queen Ann Butler Roseborough Davis (b. 1938 for his Oral History Project. Mrs. Davis was born in Ridgeway, SC to Rev. James R. Butler (1903-2001) and Mary Green Butler (1910-1987). She discusses her childhood and the difficulties experienced by the black community in rural South Carolina during the Jim Crow period as well as the differences she experienced in the North during this time. She discusses the influences she had growing up that inspired her to join the Civil Rights Movement. Mrs. Davis also discusses the effects of the Movement in Winnsboro, South Carolina and more rural areas in general. Mrs. Davis attended Johnson C. Smith University for her BA in English and French and Winthrop College for her Master of Arts in Teaching. She details her experiences and opinion on the differences in education between the black and white communities. As well as her influences and decision to join the National Negro Council of Women (NCNW) and the Student Non-violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC).
Interview with Sam J. Ervin - OH 123

Sam J. Ervin Jr.

In his March 7, 1981 interview with John Cissell, Sam Ervin recounts his work as a U.S. Senator for North Carolina. Ervin explains his defense of Jim Crow Laws and his involvement in an investigative committee that unveiled the Watergate Scandal. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.
Interview with James Thomas Funderburk - OH 137

James Thomas Funderburk

This interview was conducted with Chester Mayor James Thomas Funderburk (1922-1983) concerning the mysterious death of eighteen-year-old black man Mickey McClinton which sparked a series of protests in Chester, SC during the fall of 1979. The Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) organized these protests. Mickey McClinton’s death was initially determined to be the result of a hit-and-run accident, but rumors quickly spread that McClinton was the victim of a racially motivated slaying sparking the protests. Mayor Funderburk (Mayor of Chester, SC 1975-1983) discusses the incident and how the events of unfolded during the fall of 1979. Subjects include civil rights in Chester; and social unrest among blacks in Chester.
Interview with Horace Goggins

Horace Goggins

In his April 29, 1981 interview with Viola Sherrill, Horace Goggins shares the story of how he became a dentist, his involvement in the Civil Rights Movement, and how he supports his wife’s political career. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.
Interview with Margaret H. Gregg - OH 152

Margaret Henrietta Gregg

This interview is conducted by Geoffrey Wilcox with Mrs. Margaret Henrietta Gregg (1908-1987), a professor of English at Winthrop College from 1941 to 1973,. Mrs. Gregg had a letter she wrote to the community advocating for racial equality published in the local newspaper the Rock Hill Herald. She was a member of Winthrop University faculty and discusses her experience during the Civil Rights movement. She details her involvement in the movement as well as her experiences in the community during that time.
Interview with Alberta Tucker Grimes - OH 139

Alberta Tucker Grimes

This interview was conducted with Alberta Tucker Grimes (1909-2002) who was an educator and counselor from Greenville, South Carolina. Alberta Grimes started the first Head Start program for the state of South Carolina in Greenville, SC. Her work became the standard and model for similar programs that sprouted throughout the state. In this interview, she discusses her background as an educator, her education in the African American schools during segregation, her teaching career on boards and committees, and her personal life. The interview also includes information about Charles Hall, a famous psychologist in Washington, Jessie Jackson as a student and financing of African American education.
Interview with Isaac Samuel Leevy Johnson - OH 143

Isaac Samuel Leevy Johnson

The former South Carolina General Assembly member discusses his family background, influences, first experience with racism, philosophies, the federal desegregation plan, work in the South Carolina House of Representatives, absence of African Americans in the South Carolina Senate and problems and solutions concerning African Americans.
Interview with Willie T. "Dub" Massey - OH 138

Willie T. Massey

In his April 27^th, 1981 interview with Phil O’Quinn, Rev. Willie T. "Dub" Massey recollects his involvement in the Civil Rights Movement as one of the Friendship 9 protestors and non-violent activists. Massey retells the preparation and events leading up to the sit-in at McCrory’s lunch counter. Massey also shares the negative effects he experienced with his involvement as an activist and leader in the Civil Rights Movement, in particular, his arrest from the McCrory’s sit-in. Massey concludes his interview with advice and hope for the black community. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.
Interview with Melvin Ernest "Ernie" Nunnery - OH 136

Melvin Ernest Nunnery

This interview was conducted with South Carolina House Representative Melvin Ernest “Ernie” Nunnery (1951-1991) regarding the mysterious death of eighteen-year-old black man Mickey McClinton which sparked a series of protests in Chester, SC during the fall of 1979. The Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) organized these protests. Mickey McClinton’s death was initially determined to be the result of a hit-and-run accident, but rumors quickly spread that McClinton was the victim of a racially motivated slaying sparking the protests. Mr. Nunnery was a member of the South Carolina House of Representative from 1975-1982 and discusses the incident and how the events of unfolded during the fall of 1979. Subjects include civil rights in Chester; and social unrest among blacks in Chester. Subject Mr. Golden Frinks and Chester Civil Rights.