In Darkest South Carolina: J. Waties Waring and the Secret Plan That Sparked a Civil Rights Movement

by Brian Hicks

"Four years before the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision Brown v. Board of Education, a federal judge in Charleston hatched his secret plan to end segregation in America. Julius Waties Waring was perhaps the most unlikely civil rights hero in history. An eighth-generation Charlestonian, the son of a Confederate veteran and scion of a family of slave owners, Waring was appointed to the federal bench in the early days of World War II. Faced with a growing demand for equal rights from black South Carolinians, and a determined and savvy NAACP attorney named Thurgood Marshall, Waring did what he thought was He followed the law, and the United States Constitution. This is the story of Judge J. Waties Waring, his incredible life and the country he changed"--Description from publisher

Genres: Nonfiction, History

400 pages, Hardcover

Published June 1, 2018

Reviews

[Pam Kaplan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating historical path to Brown vs Board of Education that finally overturned Plessy v Ferguson “separate but equal” doctrine and declared segregation in schools unconstitutional. Story of J Waties Waring federal judge who worked with Thurgood Marshall to make this happen. Learned so much.

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a South Carolinian, this book gave me hope and also made me angry. The story of Judge Waring is intriguing and well-worth the read, but what I truly gained from this read was Septima Clark. A South Carolina native and early civil rights activist, I don’t recall ever being taught about Ms. Clark in my public South Carolina schooling. I look forward to learning more about her!
The book also made me sad and angry, because while reading it helped me realize how much progress we have made since the era of segregation, we have so much more to go. Read this to be encouraged and challenged - without the heaviness of a textbook.

[Veronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

A riveting story about the start of the civil rights movement and Judge Waring’s involvement. The background information in the landmark case Brown vs the Board of Education. A look at South Carolina in the mid twentieth century. Essential reading.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I live in Summerville, SC near Charleston and I had never heard of J. Waties Waring and how he played an instrument role among many in ending school segregation. As a local I did so much googled, finding that some of these character's grandchildren are still my neighbors. We have mutual friends on Facebook. This weekend I plan to visit his graveside and his statue downtown. I'm just fascinated by this history. Recommended reading for anyone, but especially locals. Brian Hicks did a brilliant job researching and putting this story together in a way that this non-historian, non-lawyer could understand. Thank you!

[Rachel Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well researched and written history. Yes Waties Waring was important but even more so were the ordinary citizens of South Carolina who risked so much to move America forward when it comes to justice and righteousness. Leaders like Septima Clark, Modjeska Simkins, and Rev. J. A. Delaine. And simple country people like Harry and Eliza Briggs and Levi Pearson and many others. Every South Carolinian should know these heroes.

[Maureen Ann Riopel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an engaging, transformative book that chronicles the important decisions and actions of a brave judge who was not afraid to do the right thing. It is a must read for anyone interested in civil rights and the struggles of the African American community during segregation.

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

The more things change...

[M DeGarmo · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best accounts telling the story of the start of the civil rights movement. Judge Waring was one of the first people to address this. Very well written by Brian Hicks. A must read!

[Peggy Malaspina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. If you want to understand the south, read this book. If you want insight into the origins of the civil rights movement that you never had before, read this book.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a South Carolina native and fan of SC history and Civil Rights history. I must confess that somehow I didn't know anything about the important role of Judge Waties Waring in Civil Rights history. This excellent book was a good remedy for that. It is readable and informative. It gives a great picture of Judge Waring's courage and conviction.