Columbia In The 1960's

Columbia In The 1960's. The State House And Public Protest. , South Carolinians found themselves at a major crossroads during the turbulent 1960s. In rural towns and cities across the state, African Americans and a growing number of white supporters waged public protests, filed lawsuits, and registered voters in pursuit of equal access and social justice. As the Civil Rights Movement unfolded, segregationists roundly attacked developments as threats to their "southern way of life." The South Carolina State House served as a backdrop for public debates as politicians, segregationists and civil rights champions converged on its grounds to sway public opinion and chart an agenda for the future., On March 2, 1961, 187 protesters were arrested following a planned demonstration on the South Carolina State House grounds. A lawsuit filed on their behalf , Edwards v. South Carolina, reached the United States Supreme Court. On February 25, 1963, the court ruled that the 14th Amendment forbids a state "to make criminal the peaceful expression of unpopular views," and opened the door to continued demonstrations nationwide.