Columbia Honors Civil Rights Activists with Historic Expungement Ceremony

Columbia Celebrates Historic Expungement Ceremony

Columbia — The atmosphere in the Richland County Judicial Center was electric as emotions ran high during a heartwarming ceremony on October 25. This special event marked a monumental moment for two civil rights activists, Charles Barr and Rev. Simon Bouie, who finally had their decades-old criminal convictions overturned.

For Barr and Bouie, the day was a celebration of justice and recognition, coming over sixty years after they were arrested for protesting against segregation in Columbia’s local pharmacies. With their families and supporters filling the courtroom, it was a powerful reminder of the work and sacrifices made during the Civil Rights Movement.

A Long Time Coming

The past may be filled with struggles and hardships, but on this day, the focus was squarely on triumph. The ceremony, presided over by Judge Robert Hood, saw the records of Barr and Bouie’s convictions — stemming from a peaceful sit-in at lunch counters in March 1960 — expunged with great fanfare. Fifth Judicial Circuit Solicitor Byron Gipson, who championed the petition to the court for this expungement, highlighted the significance of the event, especially considering it happened just 60 years after the Civil Rights Act was enacted.

Honoring the Fallen

As the session unfolded, roses were placed on desks in memory of five other activists who stood alongside Barr and Bouie but are no longer with us. Activists Rev. David Carter, Johnny Clark, Richard Counts, Milton Greene, and Rev. Talmadge Neal were honored, and their families were acknowledged during the ceremony. “They should never be forgotten,” said Judge Hood, reflecting the sentiments shared by many in attendance.

A Reflection on the Past

The atmosphere was charged as Barr, now 84, shared his memories of the protests. “Being Black in 1960 was scary,” he said, adding, “we were just trying to be acknowledged as Americans.” In those days, it was routine for Black individuals to be turned away from opportunities available to their White counterparts. He and a group of fellow students from Benedict College and Allen University staged a sit-in at lunch counters in Columbia, peacefully waiting to be served — a bold move that led to their arrest. In a show of resilience, they refused to be silenced, consequently facing charges of trespassing.

The Fight for Justice Continues

The path to expungement for these activists has not been an easy one. Since 2013, a campaign spearheaded by the University of South Carolina Center for Civil Rights History and Research has worked tirelessly to clear the records of these brave individuals. Bobby Donaldson, executive director of the Civil Rights Center, remarked on the importance of such events, stating, “These are not just chapters in history but lessons in how young citizens, driven by conviction, can reshape our nation.”

A Bright Future

Rev. Bouie, now 85, reflected on the emotions of the day, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to witness the expungement ceremony. “It’s given me great joy,” he said, wishing that fellow activists could have been there to share in the moment. It is a testament to the powerful legacy of the Civil Rights Movement that these stories continue to inspire new generations.

As the ceremony came to a close, the sense of achievement enveloped the room. It served as a reminder of the resilience and spirit of those who fought for equality, and it highlighted the ongoing journey toward a more just and equitable society.

In a world still grappling with issues of race and equality, this expungement serves not only as a legal correction but as a beacon of hope and a reminder that the fight for justice remains essential in every community.