Photos: Why Not Young Lives scholars march at SC State

Youth mentorship and literacy organization Why Not Young Lives highlighted banned books and the Orangeburg Massacre in a campus march on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at South Carolina State University.

As part of the organization's Day of Service during its Summer Academy youth camp, the march began at SC State’s Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center and progressed to Smith-Hammond-Middleton Legacy Plaza. At the plaza, students gave speeches and read poems about the effects of banning books and the need to commemorate the Orangeburg Massacre.

About 65 scholars in grades 3-8 from Orangeburg and surrounding areas have been participating in the five-week summer academy at at the facilities of SC State 1890 Research & Extension on the university campus.

About the Orangeburg Massacre

On the night of Feb. 8, 1968, Henry Smith, Samuel Hammond and Delano Middleton were killed when police opened fire on some 200 unarmed Black students who were demonstrating in the name of integrating a local bowling alley. Another 28 protesters were wounded. Smith and Hammond were both enrolled at SC State, and Middleton was a 17-year-old student at Wilkinson High School in Orangeburg.

Each year on Feb. 8, the university honors Smith, Hammond and Middleton, their families and the survivors of what has become known as the Orangeburg Massacre. 

About Why Not Young Lives

Why Not Young Lives is a nonprofit organization established in July 2020 to effect positive change through education, mentorship, community service, and mental health awareness. Students in grades 3-8 are participating in the five-week Summer Academy, which began June 17 and will wrap up July 19.

For more information, contact Dr. David J. Williams Jr., Why Not Young Lives’ founder and executive director, at 803-570-2977.