Box 1

Scope and Contents

Includes diskette containing all interview transcripts, except Gedney Howe's.

Scope and Contents

Thomas Waring, former editor-in-chief of the Charleston News and Courier, discusses the following topics: the politics of Senators James F. Byrnes and Strom Thurmond, including the 1954 gubernatorial campaign; his uncle, Judge J. Waties Waring and his wife, Elizabeth, and the reaction of Charleston to their views on race, the divorce, and his legal decisions. Interview conducted by Jack Bass.

Scope and Contents

In the interview, the former United States Attorney discusses the civil rights movement in South Carolina, including the changes in race relations as a result of political enfranchisement. Interview conducted by Jack Bass and Walter De Vries.

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Bessinger, South Carolina businessman and 1974 gubernatorial candidate, discusses his entry into politics, George Wallace, race relations in the South, the role of race in politics, and his conversion to Christianity. Conducted by Jack Bass and Walter De Vries.

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Charleston attorney and local politician Howe reflects on politics in South Carolina, specifically on issues of race and religion. Includes long discussion on personality and politics of Mendel Rivers. Discusses Mendel Davis, the Charleston white elite, the Inter-Racial Council of Charleston, Judge J. Waties and Elizabeth Waring, Strom Thurmond, John F. Byrnes. Interview conducted by Jack Bass.

Scope and Contents

President of Black-on-Nation (Columbia, South Carolina-based organization to empower black communities), Redfern narrates about his presence at the Orangeburg Massacre; and discusses the present and future work of Black-on-Nation; segregation at the University of South Carolina; how he became involved in the civil rights movement; various black organizations in Columbia like Blacks United for Action; black self-image and militancy. Interview conducted by Jack Bass.

Scope and Contents A judge and former South Carolina Governor, West talks about the 1974 gubernatorial election; his tenure as governor; how the Civil Rights movement and race relations have changed South Carolina; his experiences with the Ku Klux Klan; the proposed constitutional amendment to validate Charles Ravenel's candidacy; political figures such as George Wallace, James B. Edwards, Marion Gressette, and Strom Thurmond; the rising economy and the work of the Human Affairs Commission. Interview conducted...

Scope and Contents

Leevy, one of the first African Americans to be elected to the South Carolina senate in the 20th century, discusses topics including: race relations in South Carolina and race in South Carolina politics; his personal background and entry into politics; and his thoughts on individuals such as John West and Charles Ravenel. Interview conducted by Jack Bass and Walter De Vries.

Scope and Contents

Majority leader of the South Carolina House of Representatives, Baggett discusses the creation of the Democratic caucus, the rise of the Republican Party, the participation and influence of African Americans in South Carolina politics; and the effect of Watergate on South Carolina politics. Interview conducted by Jack Bass