Kingstree in Williamsburg County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
"Let Us March on Ballot Boxes"
Photographed By Dave W, May 20, 2023
1. "Let Us March on Ballot Boxes" Marker
On May 8, 1966, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. visited Kingstree. King’s speech, which came after passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, urged an audience of 5,000 who had gathered on the grounds of Tomlinson High School to “march on ballot boxes” and use the vote as a means to pursue social and economic justice. King also called for grassroots mobilization and challenged each attendee to help register new voters.
King referred to the current moment as a “second Reconstruction” and reminded the audience that during the first Reconstruction S.C. had elected African American representatives to serve in the State House and U.S. Congress. If they had done so before, then they could do so again. His message ranged beyond political and civil rights, to a vision of a day when all would enjoy adequate jobs, food, and security.
Erected 2016 by Willimasburg County Development Corporation; Tholinson Alumni, Inc.; Citizens of Williamsburg County. (Marker Number 45-22.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Education. A significant historical date for this entry is May 8, 1966.
Location. 33° 40.183′ N, 79° 49.093′ W. Marker is in Kingstree, South Carolina, in Williamsburg County
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Tomlinson School (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); John Witherspoon (approx. 0.2 miles away); Captain Roger Gordon (approx. 0.2 miles away); Benevolent Societies Hospital (approx. ¼ mile away); Stephen A. Swails House (approx. half a mile away); St. Alban’s Episcopal Church (approx. 0.7 miles away); Kingstree: Gathering Vital Intelligence (approx. ¾ mile away); Williamsburg Church (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kingstree.
Photographed By Dave W, May 20, 2023
2. "Let Us March on Ballot Boxes" Marker Reverse
Photographed By Dave W, May 20, 2023
3. "Let Us March on Ballot Boxes" Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on May 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 21, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. This page has been viewed 47 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 21, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
