Richland County Library will host an event on March 1, 2026, to honor living civil rights legends in South Carolina and commemorate the 65th anniversary of the 1961 Edwards v. South Carolina Supreme Court case.
The event, titled “Unforgettable: Honoring Our Living Civil Rights Legends,” will feature a panel discussion with Cecil Williams, DeeDee Wright, Chief Justice Jean Toal, and Representative Leola Robinson. Dr. Bobby Donaldson, Executive Director of the Center for Civil Rights History and Research at the University of South Carolina, will moderate the discussion.
The Edwards March of 1961 was a pivotal moment in the fight for desegregation in South Carolina, ultimately leading to a landmark case before the state’s Supreme Court. The panel will explore the courage and perseverance of those involved, shedding light on the realities of segregation and the ongoing struggle for justice and equality.
In addition to the panelists, the event will also honor Millicent Brown, Minerva Brown King, and Oveta Glover for their contributions to the Civil Rights Movement. Poet Laureate of Columbia, SC, Jennifer Bartell Boykin, will also deliver a special presentation.
The Richland Library event aims to preserve the stories of these leaders and foster a meaningful conversation about their impact on South Carolina history. The library discovered handwritten entries related to the Edwards case in its archives last year, according to information from Benedict College.
