Photographer Cecil Williams is recognized as one of the key witnesses to South Carolina’s civil rights history. For decades, he has dedicated himself to capturing the essence of the defining moments that shaped the state’s narrative.
From protests and prayers to the poignant depiction of African Americans breaking barriers by integrating universities and rising to federal judgeships, Williams meticulously documented it all through his lens.
Now, after years of hard work, Williams is close to realizing his fondest dream: remodeling and relocating his South Carolina Civil Rights Museum, currently located in his converted Orangeburg home, to a building more spacious and more visible in the city center. This ambitious project is made possible by a major $23 million federal grant, heralding not only a physical expansion, but also a broader impact on preserving and disseminating South Carolina’s civil rights legacy.
Williams, who celebrated his 85th birthday last month, is a living testament to the power of photography in constructing historical narratives. Reflecting on the importance of his craft, he said: “Photography is so important for telling stories about history.” He highlighted the unique role his work plays in highlighting South Carolina’s contributions to the American civil rights movement, a chapter often overlooked on the national stage.
The stories Williams captures in his photographs are not just visual records, but they capture the spirit of sacrifice and triumph over adversity. He spoke passionately about the need to uncover the untold stories of his home state, saying, “But in South Carolina, we have so many untold stories that remain untold. And one way to save those stories, these stories of sacrifice, these stories of overcoming, it’s about having a museum like the one we’re developing here in Orangeburg.”
Williams’ journey into photography began at the age of 9, and he had to overcome many obstacles. When South Carolina newspapers refused to hire a black photographer, Williams persevered by presenting his work to the Associated Press. His efforts paid off, as the AP used many of his photographs during the tumultuous years of the 1960s, providing a platform for his powerful visual storytelling.
In 2019, Williams transformed his residential space and darkroom in Orangeburg into the Cecil Williams Museum, dedicated to South Carolina civil rights. It is also the only civil rights museum in the state..
The impending move to a more spacious building downtown is not simply a physical expansion, but a strategic initiative to strengthen the museum’s reach and impact. Williams envisions a space that not only preserves history, but also educates and inspires future generations.
The development is part of broader efforts to revitalize Orangeburg’s Railroad Corner neighborhood, positioning it as a gateway to the city, which has a majority African-American population and is home to two historically black universities.
The revitalization project speaks to the deep cultural and historical significance of Orangeburg.
Williams’ journey is emblematic of resilience and determination, echoing the very stories he seeks to preserve. The impending expansion of Cecil Williams’ South Carolina Civil Rights Museum promises to become a beacon, illuminating South Carolina’s often overlooked but rich civil rights history for future generations.