Cecil Williams
Before 12 years of age, Cecil Williams’ camera had captured the petitioners in Clarendon County as they lit the torch of freedom. At 14 years old, he played Arthur Ashe at Bethune-Cookman College winning thee games from the soon to be world tennis champion. In 10th grade, he photographed Thurgood Marshall coming to Charleston for the Briggs case, and again one year later, speaking at Claflin. In 1955, he became the youngest-ever JET Magazine photographer. In 1960, upon being thrown out of a New York press conference, he became JFK’s favorite lensman.
At 38 years old—and 40 years before solar electricity became popularized—he designed a solar-operated (photovoltaic) home featured in EBONY. One year later, he designed the Envirodome, an energy-light impulsive roof-top device considered for patent by Sears executives in Chicago. In 1984—to live out a childhood obsession to defeat Senator Strom Thurmond—he ran for United States senate, and with only $530 in campaign funds, received over 300,000 votes in the South Carolina Democratic Primary. Trying again in 1995, with larger campaign funds ($850), he received 70,000 votes but defeated by millionaire Elliott Close, who with $250,00 campaign funds, received 99,000 votes. In 2015, he designed the Filmtoaster, a device now used around the world to digitize film.
Now, after a ten year obsession to create a museum to house his civil rights era images, he's doing it! The CECIL WILLIAMS MUSEUM & INSTITUTE FOR SOCIAL INNOVATION will honor a generation of people, Black & White, throughout the Palmetto State, who deserve to be remembered for their unselfish commitments and sacrifices: They destroyed Jim Crow, demanded dignity and justice for all people, changed the Constitution, and inspired mankind.
The significance of the location in a residential area is related directly to the metaphoric rise against injustice and segregation by Cecil Williams—who after graduation from high school was barred from attending Clemson to study architecture—designed three minimalist-styled homes; one of which was featured in June 1977 EBONY as a "Space Age Home." He designed the above ultra-modern building, now museum, in 1983—36 years ago.
The CECIL WILLIAMS MUSEUM (a history museum that will exhibit over 350 images and artifacts) proclaims an unusual origin and documentation of America's civil rights beginning. Upon entering the first arena, the "big bang" documentation presents Summerton and Orangeburg, South Carolina as epicenters of a movement that transformed the lives of African Americans—from segregation to first class citizens.
In addition to being divine-driven, the Cecil Williams Museum and Institute for Social Innovation will also function as a neighborhood community center; a role it has already served during the past 18 years. Visitors will be welcomed by appointment and special hours beginning May 30, 2019.
Visit it the follow link for additional info. on the Cecil Williams Museum and to lend your support:
At 38 years old—and 40 years before solar electricity became popularized—he designed a solar-operated (photovoltaic) home featured in EBONY. One year later, he designed the Envirodome, an energy-light impulsive roof-top device considered for patent by Sears executives in Chicago. In 1984—to live out a childhood obsession to defeat Senator Strom Thurmond—he ran for United States senate, and with only $530 in campaign funds, received over 300,000 votes in the South Carolina Democratic Primary. Trying again in 1995, with larger campaign funds ($850), he received 70,000 votes but defeated by millionaire Elliott Close, who with $250,00 campaign funds, received 99,000 votes. In 2015, he designed the Filmtoaster, a device now used around the world to digitize film.
Now, after a ten year obsession to create a museum to house his civil rights era images, he's doing it! The CECIL WILLIAMS MUSEUM & INSTITUTE FOR SOCIAL INNOVATION will honor a generation of people, Black & White, throughout the Palmetto State, who deserve to be remembered for their unselfish commitments and sacrifices: They destroyed Jim Crow, demanded dignity and justice for all people, changed the Constitution, and inspired mankind.
The significance of the location in a residential area is related directly to the metaphoric rise against injustice and segregation by Cecil Williams—who after graduation from high school was barred from attending Clemson to study architecture—designed three minimalist-styled homes; one of which was featured in June 1977 EBONY as a "Space Age Home." He designed the above ultra-modern building, now museum, in 1983—36 years ago.
The CECIL WILLIAMS MUSEUM (a history museum that will exhibit over 350 images and artifacts) proclaims an unusual origin and documentation of America's civil rights beginning. Upon entering the first arena, the "big bang" documentation presents Summerton and Orangeburg, South Carolina as epicenters of a movement that transformed the lives of African Americans—from segregation to first class citizens.
In addition to being divine-driven, the Cecil Williams Museum and Institute for Social Innovation will also function as a neighborhood community center; a role it has already served during the past 18 years. Visitors will be welcomed by appointment and special hours beginning May 30, 2019.
Visit it the follow link for additional info. on the Cecil Williams Museum and to lend your support: