Martin Luther King, Jr. at Penn Center

Martin Luther King, Jr., 26 March 1964

Beaufort District is a uniquely historic place with a broad, multifaceted, story to tell and share. You may have noticed that the Reconstruction Era National Monument is about to celebrate its first anniversary on 12 January. Some call Reconstruction the "first Civil Rights Movement." The Civil Rights Movement of the mid-20th century was founded upon Reconstruction ideals and constitutional amendments. And Beaufort played a role in both developments. 

For 13 years, one man had the most recognized face and most resounding voice advocating equal rights for all United States citizens. From the age of 26 until his untimely death by assassination at the hands of James Earl Ray, Martin Luther King, Jr. advocated for fair and equal application of all US laws and full benefits of citizenship for minorities.  


Sometimes we forget how national figures touch -- and are touched by -- places we drive by on a daily basis. In the vast universe of resources about the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. (January 15, 1929 - April 4, 1968), there is a small gem of a booklet that every person visiting or living in Beaufort County should read. Penn Center, then known as Penn Community Services, was just such a place for Martin Luther King, Jr. and other members of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. "I Will Not Be Silent and I will be Heard:" Martin Luther King, Jr. by J. Tracy Power (Columbia, SC: South Carolina Dept. of Archives & History, Public Programs Division, c1993) is available in the BDC Research Room as well as from the Local History sections at your favorite Beaufort County Branch Library.

Chapter 4 of Penn Center: A History Preserved by Orville Vernon Burton is dedicated to the discussion of Penn Center's role in the Civil Rights Movement. This book is also available in the BDC Research Room as well as from the Local History sections at your favorite Beaufort County Branch Library.

The Library has a Martin Luther King, Jr. Pinterest style page of books and articles. 

Drop by our Research Room to see a small display of BDC materials relating to Dr. King's experience at Penn Center. Please note: The Library will be closed Mon., January 15th for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Regular hours resume on Tues., January 16th.

Image: Courtesy of the Library of Congress  http://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2003688129/