Joseph DeLaine facts for kids

Joseph Armstrong DeLaine (born July 2, 1898 – died August 3, 1974) was a Methodist minister and a very important leader in the civil rights struggle. He came from Clarendon County, South Carolina. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Allen University in 1931. He worked hard as a laborer and ran a dry cleaning business to pay for his college education.

DeLaine worked with Modjeska Simkins and the South Carolina NAACP. They worked together on a famous court case called Briggs v. Elliott. This case challenged the unfair practice of segregation in schools in Summerton, South Carolina. Segregation meant that Black and white students were forced to attend separate schools.

Joseph DeLaine: A Civil Rights Hero

Joseph DeLaine was a brave minister who fought for equal rights for all people. He believed that everyone, no matter their race, should have the same opportunities. His work helped change laws that were unfair.

Fighting for Equal Schools

One of DeLaine's biggest fights was against segregation in schools. In the 1950s, many schools in the United States were separated by race. Black children often had much worse schools and fewer resources than white children.

The Briggs v. Elliott case was a big step in ending this unfair system. It was one of the cases that later became part of the famous Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision. That decision said that separate schools were not equal and were against the law.

Facing Challenges with Courage

DeLaine faced many dangers because of his work for civil rights. He received threats and his home was attacked. Because of these threats, he had to leave South Carolina. He first went to New York City, and then to Buffalo, New York.

Even after leaving his home state, DeLaine continued his work. He started another Methodist church in Buffalo. Years later, in 2000, the state of South Carolina officially pardoned him. This meant they recognized his courage and the unfairness he faced.

Honored for His Work

Besides his work as a minister and civil rights leader, DeLaine also taught school in South Carolina. In 2006, he was honored by being added to South Carolina's Educational Hall of Honor. This is a special recognition at the University of South Carolina.

In 2004, Rev. DeLaine and three other people involved in the Briggs v. Elliott case received a very special award. They were given Congressional Gold Medals after they had passed away. This award recognized their amazing courage and determination. They kept fighting for what was right, even when things were very difficult and dangerous for them.

In Popular Culture

Joseph DeLaine's story has inspired others. Playwright Loften Mitchell wrote a play about DeLaine's life in 1963. It was called Land Beyond the River.

Actor Ossie Davis also wrote a short play about the people of Clarendon County. It starred himself, his wife Ruby Dee, and Sidney Poitier. This play, and the court case DeLaine was part of, were also featured in a book by Alice Bernstein.