Historic Ceremony Clears Criminal Records of 1960 Civil Rights Activists
October 25, 2024
The Fifth Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office hosted a ceremony to expunge the criminal records of civil rights activists Charles F. Barr, Rev. Simon P. Bouie, Rev. David Carter, Johnny M. Clark, Richard M. Counts, Milton B. Greene, and Rev. Talmadge J. Neal.
Fifth Judicial Circuit Solicitor Byron E. Gipson petitioned the court to expunge the records of the civil rights activists while the Honorable Robert E. Hood presided over the proceedings. Solicitor Gipson emphasized the significance of this action, stating, “Expungements are normally handled privately with little to no fanfare. This instance deserves public reckoning as these seven men were shamed publicly, so their exoneration should be public as well.”
Solicitor Gipson expressed pride in standing before the Honorable Court on behalf of the State of South Carolina and the Fifth Judicial Circuit, requesting an order to clear the records of the seven men. He remarked, “In 1960, they had the courage to place their lives and freedom on the line to force our state and nation to honor its promise of equality to all citizens. Today, we stand in solidarity and thank you for your selflessness, courage, and sacrifice. Thank you for reminding us that justice delayed is not justice denied.”
Following the ceremony, City of Columbia Mayor Daniel J. Rickenmann honored Barr, Rev. Bouie, and the families of the late Rev. Carter, Clark, Counts, Greene, and Rev. Neal with proclamations. “As we take this significant step to acknowledge the wrongful treatment of these courageous civil rights activists, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to justice and accountability. Their exoneration is not merely a personal victory; it symbolizes our community’s dedication to confronting past injustices and ensuring that the principles of equality and fairness prevail. This proclamation serves as a powerful reminder that we must continually strive to protect the rights of all individuals and honor those who fought tirelessly for the freedoms we cherish today. Together, we pave the way for a more just and equitable future for all,” Mayor Rickenmann shared.
The initiative to expunge the civil rights veterans’ records originated from discussions between the University of South Carolina Center for Civil Rights History and Research and the veterans in 2013. To advance this effort, the Civil Rights Center enlisted Orton Bellamy—owner of Parole and Pardon Consultant Services, L.L.C., and former South Carolina Parole Board member—who offered his expertise pro bono. When asked how he felt about collaborating with the Civil Rights Center and Solicitor’s Office to help achieve this outcome for the activists, Bellamy shared, “It has been a profound honor to partner with the Civil Rights Center and Solicitor’s Office to facilitate these well-deserved expungements for these brave civil rights icons.”
The civil rights activists were arrested during a pivotal moment in the fight against racial segregation, facing charges including breaching the peace, criminal trespassing, and resisting arrest. Their cases, notably Barr v. City of Columbia, et al., and Bouie v. City of Columbia, et al., reached the United States Supreme Court, resulting in landmark decisions that affirmed their rights and influenced the enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Dr. Bobby J. Donaldson, the Civil Rights Center’s executive director, reflected on the proceedings’ historical significance: “Today’s ceremony serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring contributions seven students and their attorneys made in transforming not only this city but also the nation. We are deeply fortunate to have among us the surviving student leaders and the families of those who marched with them for a long-overdue correction of a historic wrong.”
“As we navigate new challenges, today serves as an inspiring example of what courageous individuals standing together can accomplish,” Dr. Donaldson continued. “The legacies of Mr. Barr and Rev. Bouie remind us that transformative moments can emerge swiftly and upend what once seemed unchangeable. These are not just chapters in history but lessons in how young citizens, driven by conviction, can reshape our nation.”
This year marks the 60th anniversary of the United States Supreme Court’s ruling, which profoundly impacted civil rights in America.