Born: March 11, 1927 (Little Rock, Dillon County, South Carolina)
Biography:
Gloria Blackwell, also known as Gloria Rackley, was an African-American civil rights activist and educator. Born on March 11, 1927, in Little Rock, Dillon County, South Carolina, she played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement in Orangeburg during the 1960s. Blackwell’s activism drew national attention, including a visit by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Her bold actions challenged the prevailing racial segregation in her community and had a lasting impact on the fight for equality.
Gloria Blackwell was the second of three children and the only girl born to Harrison Benjamin Blackwell and Lurline Olivia Thomas Blackwell. Her father was a businessman and barber, while her mother worked as a teacher at the Little Rock Colored School and also served as a musician at the Methodist church. Growing up in a family deeply committed to education and community involvement, Blackwell was inspired from an early age to stand up against injustice.
After completing her high school education in Sumter, South Carolina, Blackwell enrolled at Claflin College in Orangeburg at the age of 16. However, she left college in 1944 when she married James Jimmy Becknell. The couple moved to Detroit, Michigan, and later Chicago, Illinois, as part of the Great Migration, where many African Americans migrated from the South in search of better opportunities. Unfortunately, tragedy struck when Blackwell lost her eldest daughter in a car accident, leaving her with a scar on her face.
In the face of personal loss and adversity, Gloria Blackwell returned to Orangeburg with her two young daughters. Determined to build a better future for herself and her family, she resumed her studies at Claflin College, ultimately graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1953. Blackwell’s commitment to education and empowerment continued as she pursued a Master of Arts degree in education from South Carolina State University.
Blackwell’s activism emerged during a crucial time for civil rights in America. She fearlessly challenged the unjust system of segregation by taking part in sit-ins and other nonviolent protests. One notable incident occurred when her daughter required emergency treatment at the regional hospital, but Blackwell was forced to sit in the segregated whites only area. Unwilling to accept such discrimination, she took legal action and successfully sued the hospital, ending its segregation policies.
Blackwell’s activism brought her both praise and criticism from the local press. In an act of economic retaliation, the city’s white school board fired her from her teaching position. Unyielding in her pursuit of justice, Blackwell filed a lawsuit against the school board and emerged victorious in 1962. Her resilience and determination became an inspiration for countless individuals fighting for equal rights during the Civil Rights Movement.
In the 1960s, Gloria Blackwell left South Carolina and began teaching at various colleges and universities. She furthered her education by earning a doctorate in American studies from Emory University in 1973. For the next 20 years, Blackwell dedicated herself to teaching at Clark Atlanta University, leaving a lasting impact on countless students as she imparted her knowledge and passion for social justice.
Gloria Blackwell’s life and activism exemplified the importance of education, resilience, and the pursuit of justice in the face of adversity. Her courage and determination to challenge racial discrimination have left an indelible mark on American history. Her tireless efforts paved the way for a more inclusive and equitable society, making her an instrumental figure in the fight for civil rights and a key contributor to women’s history.