Columbia Standard

U.S. Rep. James Clyburn (D-SC) recently joined members of the Summerton Community Action Group to mark the unveiling of three historical markers in the town of the Briggs v. Elliott case, renowned for being the first of five cases to go before the Supreme Court as Brown v. the Board of Education.

“Proud to join today with the Summerton Community Action Group to dedicate 3 Briggs v. Elliott historical markers,” Clyburn posted on Twitter. “We ought to ensure the legacy of those involved in the courageous fight to end ‘separate but equal,’ schools lives on forever.”

The signs include the St. Mark AME Church in Summerton, where the NAACP held fundraisers, rallies and public meetings, the Briggs’ family home, where Harry Briggs ultimately inked the petition calling for equal transportation for Black students, and near the Pearson family home, where, in 1947, Rev. J. A. DeLaine stood with Levi Pearson in filing a suit supported by the NAACP demanding equal transportation in schools in which Thurgood Marshall served as one of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund lawyers.

“If we all do our jobs to the best of our abilities, we can get done what needs to be done,” Clyburn told WISTV.com.

Clyburn isn’t alone in marveling at the strength shown and level of sacrifice put forth by those taking a stand for justice.

“The courage that it took in 1947 to sign a lawsuit so that a bus could be provided for the children,” Manning Mayor Julia Nelson told WISTV.com. “Every time you see a school bus, every time you see that yellow bus, you need to think of the Pearson family.”

While many lawmakers argue there needs to be more equity in school funding, recognition of the opportunity brought forth by the landmark case is well deserved.  

“We owe it to them to say ‘thank you’ for blazing the trail, for paving the way, for creating opportunity to each and every one of us,” State Rep. Marvin Pendarvis told WISTV.com.