Dr. Ronald McNair, Lake City, SC. (1950-1986) He became the second African American to fly in space and was one of the seven astronauts who died in the Space Shuttle Challenger tragedy in 1986.
Harvey B. Gantt, Charleston, SC. (1943) The first student to desegregate Clemson University, graduating with honors. He received a Master's in architecture from MIT. The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts+ Culture in Charlotte is named in his honor.
Jesse Jackson, Greenville, SC. (1941) One of the nation's most prominent Civil Rights leaders, politician and ordained Baptist minister. He is the founder of Operation PUSH and the National Rainbow Coalition, seeking social justice and civil rights.
Chubby Checker, Spring Gulley, SC. (1941) Born Ernest Evans, Chubby Checker is a singer and performer best known for his 1960 summer hit "The Twist."
James E. Clyburn, Columbia, SC. (1940) A democratic politician who represented the 6th district of South Carolina in the United States Congress. He has served in the House of Representatives since 1993.
Cecil J. Williams, Orangeburg, SC. (1937) At 14 years old, he was hired by JET Magazine to record the images of the Civil Rights Movement in South Carolina. He went on to write Freedom & Justice.
Juanita Willmon-Goggins, Pendleton, SC. (1934-2010) The first African American woman elected to the SC House of Representatives.
Happy Presidents' Day! Hope you all are enjoying your break!
James Brown, Barnwell, SC. (1993-2006). A singer and musician, he is an originator of funk music. He became the "Godfather of Soul" and was known as "The Hardest Working Man in Show Business."
Lucille Simmons Whipper, Charleston, SC. (1928) Civil Rights pioneer, elected to state and local offices including the State House of Representatives, as first black woman from Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester area. Part of US-17 is named for her.
Happy School Resource Officer Day! Thank you for all you do Officer Alexander!
Althea Gibson, Sumter, SC. (1927-2003) The first African American woman to win world championships in tennis at Wimbledon, the French Open, the Australian Championship, and the US National Championship (US Open).
Eartha Kitt, Orangeburg, SC. (1927-2008) Entertainer with a star on Hollywood Boulevard. She had difficulty getting jobs due to her refusal to perform for segregated audiences. She went on to become famous for her role as Catwoman on TV's Batman and recording of "Santa Baby."
Matthew Perry, Jr., Columbia, SC. (1921-2011) The first African American federal judge in South Carolina.
DATE REMINDERS:
Friday, 2/16/24: Early Dismissal for Students (visit our website for early dismissal times, https://www.chester.k12.sc.us/page/arrival-and-dismissal-bell-times)
Monday, 2/19/24: CCSD CLOSED for President's Day Holiday
Spring Intersession will occur 2/20 - 2/23.
Dizzy Gillespie, Cheraw, SC. (1917-1993) Taught himself to play the trumpet at 12, and began recording at 20. His unique style played a major role in the rise of bebop and modern jazz.
Clayton "Peg Leg" Bates, Fountain Inn, SC. (1907-1998). He lost his leg as a child laborer in a cotton mill. He became a successful tap dancer, a Broadway star and made over 20 appearances on the Ed Sullivan Show. A bronze statue of him stands in his hometown of Fountain Inn.
Septima Poinsette Clark, Charleston, SC. (1898-1987). Queen Mother of the Civil Rights Movement, she helped establish citizenship schools across the south so blacks could learn to read and vote. Martin Luther King, Jr. asked her to join him to receive his Nobel Pease Prize.
Mary McLeod Bethune, Mayesville, SC. (1875-1955). She founded Bethune-Cookman University and the National Council for Negro Women. She served as Special Advisor on Minority Affairs under President Franklin Roosevelt. Her statue stands in Washington, D.C.
Charlotta Spears Bass, Sumter, SC. (1874-1969). She was a newspaper publisher and a civil rights activist who became the first African American woman to run for national office as Vice President of the United States in 1952.
