Septima Poinsette Clark 1898 - 1981

Septima Poinsette Clark 1898-1987

 

Native Charlestonian and daughter of a former Lowcountry slave, Mrs. Septima Clark was a leader of the Civil Rights Movement. A graduate of Avery Normal Institute, Clark's first job was teaching African-American children on Johns Island. Her experiences with racial inequalities in the school system inspired her to fight for social change. After 40 years of teaching, Clark was fired because of her membership in the NAACP. She then taught at the Highlander Folk School in Tennessee, and traveled extensively voicing her support for social justice. One of her greatest legacies was the development of citizenship schools where adult African Americans learned the skills needed to register to vote.

 

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. convinced Clark to accept a position as Director of Education with the Southern Christian Leadership Council. Clark's lifelong passion for human rights and equality of justice inspired others. In 1979, President Jimmy Carter presented Clark the Living Legacy Award.

Submitted by @lampbane