McNair, Robert E., January 23, 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: January 23, 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
Governor Robert Evander McNair discusses the events of 1967 in Orangeburg which preceeded the Orangeburg Massacre (known as "the cause"), including meeting with students to discuss their demans to improve the conditions of South Carolina State. He also discusses the Massacre itself, Cleveland Sellers, and his analysis of the situtation in general.
The oral history is conducted by Dr. William Hine.
Separated Materials
The audiocassette and unedited transcripts have been separated to Box 4 of this collection until their restriction ends in 2027.
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