What were the major events and outcomes of the Orangeburg massacre?

The Orangeburg massacre was a tragic event that occurred on February 8, 1968, during the Civil Rights Movement in Orangeburg, South Carolina. The major events and outcomes of the Orangeburg massacre are as follows:

1. Background: The incident took place at South Carolina State University, a historically black college, where students had been protesting racial segregation and discrimination in the city.

2. Protests and tensions: The students were protesting the segregation of a local bowling alley and the lack of progress in desegregating the city. Tensions were high as the protests continued for several days.

3. Violence erupts: On the night of February 8, tensions escalated when a group of students started a bonfire on campus. The police and firefighters were called to the scene to extinguish the fire.

4. Police response: As the firefighters approached the bonfire, they were met with objects being thrown at them by the protesters. The police responded by firing shots into the air, which further agitated the crowd.

5. Tragic outcome: In the chaos that ensued, three students were killed and twenty-eight others were injured. The victims, Samuel Hammond Jr., Delano Middleton, and Henry Smith, were all unarmed and were shot in the back or side.

6. Legal aftermath: Following the incident, nine white police officers were charged with using excessive force. However, all of them were acquitted by all-white juries, which sparked outrage and further highlighted racial tensions in the region.

7. Impact and legacy: The Orangeburg massacre had a significant impact on the Civil Rights Movement, shedding light on the ongoing struggle for racial equality and the use of excessive force by law enforcement. It also led to increased activism and protests against racial discrimination in South Carolina and across the country.

In conclusion, the Orangeburg massacre was a tragic event during the Civil Rights Movement that resulted in the deaths of three unarmed students and numerous injuries. It exposed racial tensions and the use of excessive force by law enforcement, further fueling the fight for racial equality.