Kennerly, Thomas, February 8, 2001
Scope and Contents
The Orangeburg Massacre Oral History Project contains two series documenting an oral history project undertaken by the Avery Research Center and South Carolina State University in 2001.
Series 1. Oral History Interviews, 2001-2002: holds 18 oral history interviews conducted in 2001 and 2002 with students, professors, journalists, and organizers who were present during the 1968 police shootings of African American college students in Orangeburg, South Carolina as well as the Governor of South Carolina at the time of the Massacre. Interviewees discuss student organizing at South Carolina State College prior to the Massacre, the political climate of Orangeburg, the Massacre itself, the role of the press, the physical, mental, and emotional trauma from being shot by police, their lives after the Massacre, and what'd they like to see happen with regards to commemorating the Massacre and recognition from South Carolina.
The oral histories are arranged alphabetically by last name at the file level. More information about the content of each oral history can be found in the abstract at the file level of each interview. The interviews were conducted by Dr. William Hine, Frank Beacham, Dr. Jack Bass, Dr. Marvin Dulaney, Damon Frodham, Alada Shinault-Small, and Dr. Theodore Rosengarten.
Series 2. Audiovisual Materials and Computer Disks, 2001-2007: contains the documentary The Orangeburg Massacre: Survivors Tell Their Stories on DVD and VHS as well as trailer for the documentary on VHS. The documentary uses footage from the oral history interviews done for this project. The series also holds three floppy disks with the original transcripts.
Dates
- Creation: February 8, 2001
Access Restrictions
The audio recording and corresponding transcript of Robert E. McNair's interview are restricted to the public until 2027; however, an edited transcript by McNair is currently accessible. There are no other restrictions to this collection. A cassette player will be made available to researchers in the reading room when accessing the audiocassettes.
Full Extent
From the Collection: 1.05 linear feet (1 document box , 3 narrow document boxes, 21 audiocassettes, 2 VHS, and 2 DVDs)
Language of Materials
From the Collection: English
Abstract
Thomas Kennerly discusses his activity with the Civil Rights Movement prior to the Orangeburg Massacre as well as his experience during the Massacre, including being shot three times and carrying a wounded student to the infirmary on his back. He also discusses his emotions following the Massacre, including his disappointment and anger.
The oral history is conducted by Damon Fordham.
Repository Details
Part of the Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture Repository
125 Bull Street
Charleston South Carolina 29424 United States
843-953-7608
averyresearchcenter@cofc.edu