S*784 Session 123 (2019-2020) S 0784 Resolution, By Malloy A SENATE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AN INCREDIBLE GROUP OF SOUTH CAROLINA CITIZENS FROM DARLINGTON COUNTY FOR THEIR ROLE IN THE FIGHT FOR DESEGREGATION AND FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING RESILIENCY IN THE FACE OF TRAUMA.
TO RECOGNIZE AN INCREDIBLE GROUP OF SOUTH CAROLINA CITIZENS FROM DARLINGTON COUNTY FOR THEIR ROLE IN THE FIGHT FOR DESEGREGATION AND FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING RESILIENCY IN THE FACE OF TRAUMA.
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate are honored to recognize this group of citizens who, as children during school desegregation in Lamar, South Carolina, withstood devastating injustice and cruelty, including a violent attack on their two school buses in 1970. Rev. Dr. David Lunn, Edward Whereas, on March 2, 1970, a mob of two hundred white men, armed with ax handles, heavy chain links, screw drivers sharpened to a point, and bricks, stormed school buses carrying young black children to the newly desegregated high school. Police used tear gas to force the mob back and get the children off the bus, but the men were relentless, pelting the police with stones, turning over two buses, and breaking out the windows; and Whereas, the anger that gripped Lamar over racial integration was pervasive during these turbulent times, and angry whites formed gauntlets to harass black children trying to enter schools with mean, vile epithets and profanities; and Whereas, as children, these men and women experienced unthinkable trauma, and the harassment and abuse these individuals faced was not isolated to that Tuesday; and Whereas, in spite of overwhelming odds, this group of citizens has shown incredible strength in overcoming racial barriers and in bravely persisting in the face of adversity. These men and women have gone on to serve their country and their State as community leaders, pharmacists, public servants, teachers, and exemplary citizens; and Whereas, it is this resiliency and progress that continues to redefine the State of South Carolina and breathes hope into the hearts of many; and Whereas, recognition of these incredible citizens is far overdue, and the members of the South Carolina Senate extend their warmest appreciation for the pride that these sons and daughters of South Carolina have brought to their State. Now, therefore, Be it resolved by the Senate: That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, recognize an incredible group of South Carolina citizens from Darlington County for their role in the fight for desegregation and for their outstanding resiliency in the face of trauma.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Rev. Dr. David Lunn,
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