History enables us to develop a better understanding of the world in which we live. The more we know about history, the more we can grow together as a people, a community, as humans in general. Building knowledge and understanding of historical events and markers in your town is essential. Most people in the Summerton community are aware of this information based on the historical events that happened in their city. One of the most important markers is now located near Scott’s Branch High School.
“This has been a project that we have been working on for five years now,” said Robert McFadden. “To receive the grant to give recognition to the petitioners and plaintiffs who were involved in the Briggs v. Elliott case.”
Mr. McFadden made sure that Summerton received the historical marker with his partners Sandra Williams, Bea Rivers, and other members who helped. After graduating from Scott’s Branch High School, Mr. McFadden was completely facinated with the Briggs v. Elliott case. At South Carolina State in Orangeburg, he earned a degree in a foreign language with a minor in political science. He was also the President of the Scott’s Branch High Alumni Association.
“There hasn’t been anything done for the people as far as recognition in Summerton or Clarendon County,” said McFadden. “We made it an objective to do something about it.”
In 2018 they received the grant to help them with getting the historical marker placed.
The significant reason for the historical Summerton marker is the Briggs v. Elliott case. Briggs was the first filed of the four cases combined into Brown v. Board of Education, the famous case in which the U.S. Supreme Court, in 1954, officially overturned racial segregation in U.S. public schools.
The group hosted an unveiling ceremony on November 18 to officially present the placard to citizens of Clarendon. Several speakers took to the stand in support of the marker.
The ceremony began with an introduction by McFadden alongside Reverend Darrell A. James, and then a welcome by current National Scott’s Branch Alumni Association President Ruby Pinnex.
“It is said that the past is not the property of historians,” remarked Pinnex. “It is the public possession. It belongs to anyone who is aware of it, and it grows by being shared.”
After her remarks were over, Reverend Archie S. Temoney took the stand for a prayer, and then Karen Washington sang “Lift Every Voice.”
After this, Summerton Mayor Mac Bagnal, Senator Kevin Johnson, Clarendon County Council Chairman Dwight Stewart, CCSD1 Superintendent Barbara Champagne, and School Board Chair Wanda Thomas presented dignitary remarks.
“As I think about the rich history of this county, I believe there is no more appropriate place for an historical marker then where we are right now,” said Johnson. “I commend everyone who worked hard to make this day possible.”
Johnson was entirely correct in this statement seeing as it took more than five years for McFadden and his team to get the approval needed to place the marker.
Applicants for a marker go through a lengthy process with the South Carolina Department of Archives and History before they are given the “go ahead.”
Add that on top of a base $250 application fee and you see just how important something has to be to garner historical recognition.
Everyone in attendance at the unveiling ceremony would agree, however, that Scott’s Branch High School is worthy of this delegation.
After the dignitary remarks, Dr. Akiva Ford and Nathanial Briggs, of the Pearson and Briggs families, gave petitioners remarks.
“I would like to acknowledge and thank the members of the Scott’s Branch Alumni Association,” said Ford. “Without your continued diligence, today would not be possible.”
Ford and Briggs are descendants of the original petitioners in the Briggs v. Elliot case.
“When powerful minds come together with a mission that needs to be accomplished, and they complete it, the effects can be felt on a global scope,” said Ford. “In 1948 and 1949, great minds came together. They saw a mission, they attacked it with vigor and determination, and their goal was accomplished when the Supreme Court ruled that racial segregation of children in public schools was unconstitutional in that landmark case of 1954: Brown v. Board of Education. The effects were, are, and will continue to be felt on a global level. This event today stands as a representation of that global effect.”
The meeting moved on to a speech from Representative Jim Clyburn before final remarks from Bea Rivers and the official unveiling of the Scott’s Branch Historical Marker.
The marker can be seen at the old Scott’s Branch high school, 1154 4th Street, Summerton, SC, 29148.
Editor's Note: This first half of this article was constructed from interviews held by Manning Times Reporter, Christopher Oliver. The second half was written by Manning Times Editor, Jake McElveen, from quotes he gathered at the unveiling ceremony. The photos provided were pulled from Senator Kevin Johnson's Facebook Page.
