Lucille Whipper
(1928 – 2021) Lucille Simmons Whipper was born on June 6, 1928 in Charleston, South Carolina, to Sarah and Joseph Simmons. In 1944 she was a student activist at her high school, Avery Institute. Her graduating class sought to…
Cassandra Maxwell
Born in Orangeburg, South Carolina, Cassandra Maxwell was one of six children raised to continue the successful grocery store owned by her family. Maxwell pursued higher education, graduating from Howard University’s School of Law. She…
Groundbreakers
Jean Hoefer Toal
(1943- ) The Honorable Jean Hoefer Toal was the first woman elected to the South Carolina Supreme Court and later became the first female Chief Justice. Born in 1943 in Columbia, Toal was educated at…
Frieda Mitchell
(1925-2020) A tireless worker for the improvement of life among African Americans, especially children, Frieda Mitchell has received national and international recognition for her work in child care reform and civil rights. Mrs. Mitchell overcame many obstacles before embarking on…
Elizabeth Evelyn Wright
(1872 -1906) A child of Reconstruction, Elizabeth Evelyn Wright was born in Talbotton, Georgia in 1872 to parents who had been born in slavery. She was educated at St. Phillip’s African Methodist Episcopal Church before enrolling…
Groundbreakers
Marjorie Amos Frazier
(1926-2010) Marjorie Amos Frazier worked as the financial secretary for the NAACP’s Charleston branch, which tried to get public spaces within the city desegregated. From 1971 until 1975 she served as vice chairwoman of Charleston Democratic Party then was elected…
Groundbreakers
Mary McLeod Bethune
(1875-1955) Mary McLeod Bethune is an inspirational woman who led an extraordinary life in service of bettering her community, and society beyond. She was born near Maysville, South Carolina as the daughter of two former slaves.
Groundbreakers
Nikki Haley
(1972-) Nikki Haley was born in Bamberg, South Carolina and received a bachelor’s degree from Clemson University. In 1998, Haley joined the board of directors for Orangeburg’s Chamber of Commerce and Lexington’s in 2003. Haley became…
Groundbreakers
Septima Poinsette Clark
(1898-1987) Septima Poinsette Clark is recognized as the “Mother of the Movement”. Being the daughter of a former slave, she always understood the importance of civil rights. She worked as a teacher in South Carolina for…
Groundbreakers
Marian Wright Edelman
(1939-) Marian Wright Edelman has advocated for disadvantaged Americans and founded the Children’s Defense Fund during her professional life. This fund has become the strongest voice for children and families giving every child an opportunity to…