“C” is for civil councils – public radio in South Carolina

“C” is for civil councils. Founded in 1954 in Mississippi, civil councils are rapidly spread south. Organizations have encouraged membership as a respected way for dissatisfied segregationists to protest civil rights. They publicly abandoned violence, but encouraged organized economic pressure against Afro -American and whites, who were involved in the struggle for the freedom of the black. The first civil councils of South Carolina appeared in Orangeburg County in August 1955. The movement spread quickly through South Carolina. Until 1956, civil councils in South Carolina claimed 40,000 members and 55 councils. In the country, they encourage political activism and a long -lasting campaign for economic intimidation against Afro -American activists. For many civil rights leaders, the pressure from citizens has led to the loss of a house, a home and a occupation. Without stable leadership, membership is rapidly reduced and the influence of council citizens has decreased significantly until 1958.