02/08/2026
February 8 marks the anniversary of the Orangeburg Massacre, a pivotal yet often overlooked moment in American history. In 1968, students at South Carolina State University) protested segregation and were met with deadly forceāthree young Black men lost their lives, and dozens were injured. (A Remembrance of the Orangeburg Massacre, 2024)
Among the wounded was Dr. Cleveland Sellers, a prominent civil rights leader, who was unjustly the only person convicted for the tragedy. No police officers were ever held accountable. (New Orangeburg Massacre memorial dedicated, 2026)
Although the Orangeburg Massacre (1968) is often viewed in isolation, it was part of a broader pattern of state violence against student protests in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Similar incidents occurred at Jackson State (1970) and Kent State (1970), where police or the National Guard also killed students. The Kent State shootings, however, received immediate national attention and extensive media coverage, which significantly influenced public opinion about the Vietnam War.
More than 55 years later, the trauma continues to echo in the community. Families and advocates, including efforts to clear Dr. Sellersā name, have fought for recognition, justice, and education. South Carolina State University now teaches about the massacre, and work is underway for a permanent campus memorial.
The Orangeburg Massacre reminds us that the struggle for racial justice and police accountability is not just history, but a challenge we still face today. As we reflect on this day, letās honor the victims, recognize Dr. Sellersā resilience, and recommit to building a more just future.