Midtown - Downtown in Columbia in Richland County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
The Walls Came Tumbling Down
Integration & Racial Dialouge
— Our Story Matters —
Photographed By Dave W, May 13, 2023
1. The Walls Came Tumbling Down Marker
Seeking to protect Columbia's growing national reputation as an "All-American City" amidst a growing number of protests. Mayor Lester Bates held informal meetings with black leaders and white businessmen. In August 1962, eight downtown chain stores, including Eckerd's and Woolworth’s, opened their lunch counters to black customers for the first time. White counter protesters picketed Main Street stores in opposition to such "race mixing." A year later, Reverend I. De Quincey Newman and other NAACP leaders along with student activists renewed calls for change. Mayor Bates convened the "Committee of 50,” a biracial committee designed to promote interracial understanding. They persuaded merchants to remove segregation signs, serve black customers, and enact non-discriminatory hiring policies. The "Committee of 50” was renamed the Columbia Community Relations Council in 1964.
Erected by Columbia SC 63.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical month for this entry is August 1962.
Location. 34° 0.537′ N, 81° 2.228′ W. Marker is in Columbia, South Carolina, in Richland County. It is in Midtown - Downtown. Marker is on Main Street south of Laurel
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Columbia City Hall (a few steps from this marker); Laurel Street (within shouting distance of this marker); Jefferson Hotel (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Sidney Park C.M.E. Church (about 400 feet away); Blanding Street (about 500 feet away); Richland Street (about 600 feet away); Cabaniss Building (about 600 feet away); Seegers-Habenicht Building (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbia.
Also see . . . Columbia SC 63.
Since 2012, Columbia SC 63: Our Story Matters has successfully built a platform for the world to learn the stories of the brave men and women who participated in South Carolina’s march toward freedom.(Submitted on May 15, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado.)
Photographed By Dave W, May 13, 2023
2. The Walls Came Tumbling Down Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on May 18, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 15, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. This page has been viewed 47 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 15, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
