Critics who question Strom Thurmond’s legacy should take a deeper look at his record

It is astounding that there have been calls recently for USC to remove the late U.S. Sen. Strom Thurmond’s name from the Strom Thurmond Wellness and Fitness Center.

I believe that no name is more appropriate to be on this facility than Thurmond’s name: he personified wellness and fitness, and throughout his long life Thurmond constantly preached the benefits of good health habits and exercise.

More importantly it is fitting for our state’s flagship university to have a building named for Thurmond because no South Carolinian in our history was more devoted to enhancing educational opportunities for young people.

Indeed, Thurmond began his career as a teacher and coach in our public schools — and as a U.S. senator Thurmond never lost his passion for trying to help young people.

Helping young people

During his time in the Senate, Thurmond took great pride in developing his renowned page program, which gave opportunities to hundreds of young South Carolinians to serve as Senate pages and see firsthand how government worked.

Thurmond was also driven to help young people obtain their college education by establishing the Strom Thurmond Foundation, which continues to help educate 80 to 100 needy, worthy students each year.

Thurmond also provided 52 separate scholarships at 45 colleges, universities and technical schools in South Carolina and beyond (including a scholarship at Howard University, one of America’s most prominent Historically Black Colleges and Universities).

With respect to USC’s Wellness and Fitness Center, Thurmond worked tirelessly with university officials to assemble the funding for this facility. In addition to bringing federal funds to the table, Thurmond also secured contributions from numerous companies and individuals. Moreover, Thurmond contributed more than $1.5 million to various programs at USC.

Look deeper

There are critics who focus only on Thurmond’s years when much of the country supported segregation.

But these critics should consider the fact that in 1930. Thurmond — then serving as Edgefield County’s newly-elected superintendent of education — initiated a literacy program for African American citizens that resulted in a 25% decrease in illiteracy among Black citizens.

These critics should also consider the fact that as South Carolina’s newly elected governor in 1947, Thurmond vigorously and persistently demanded punishment for those responsible for the lynching of Willie Earle in Greenville.

And these critics should consider the fact that during his years in the U.S. Senate, Thurmond:

▪ Was the first of any Southern member of Congress to hire an African American to a senior staff position.

▪ Secured the first federal funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

▪ Played a major role in the appointment of Matthew Perry, a legendary African American lawyer in Columbia, to the federal bench.

▪ Supported the extension of the Voting Rights Act.

▪ Backed the creation of a national holiday to honor the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

Biden’s warm words

In short, Thurmond worked hard over many decades to help African Americans even during the time when segregation prevailed, and he ultimately earned widespread support among his African American constituents.

Former Vice President Joe Biden, who is now the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee, knew Strom Thurmond for more than 30 years. Here is what Biden had to say about his longtime Senate colleague and friend:

“I do not believe that Strom Thurmond at his core was a racist,” Biden said. “His long life may well have been a gift of his beloved God, but the powerful and lasting impact he had on his beloved South Carolina and on his nation is Strom’s legacy, his gift to all of us.”

If our flagship university cannot honor this man — who served our state so well for nearly three-quarters of a century — then no man deserves to be so honored.

Strom Thurmond was a South Carolinian for all seasons!

Bettis Rainsford Sr. resides in Edgefield. He was the founder of Delta Woodside Industries and is a former president of the South Carolina Historical Society.

This story was originally published July 1, 2020 at 2:09 PM.