A descriptive analysis of black politics in Orangeburg, South Carolina 1955 - 1977, 1979

This thesis gives a descriptive and critical analysis of the character of black politics in Orangeburg, South Carolina, from 1955 to 1977. During this historical period we find blacks using the same strategies and tactics that were employed by the Civil Rights Movement throughout the United States, and confronted by a very hostile white community. In 1955, we find the impetus of the Civil Rights Movement in Orangeburg, South Carolina with the signing of a petition for desegregation of the public schools. This was countered by the white community with the development of the White Citizens Council and economic boycott of black businessmen by white wholesalers. In return, blacks boycotted white merchants. In 1960 and 1963 blacks employed the tactics of sit-ins, economic boycotts and demonstrations for the desegregation of public facilities. They were confronted by a hostile police force which used fire-hoses to stop the demonstrators. The police hostility reached a climax in 1968 when three students were killed and twenty-seven others wounded in an effort to desegregate an all-white bowling alley. This incident marked a new stage in black politics in Orangeburg. Blacks stopped using 'direct action,' but began placing more emphasis on voter's registration and electing blacks for political offices. The thesis concludes with an attempt to make an assessment of the development of black politics over the twenty-two years period, and observations about the future of black politics in Orangeburg, South Carolina