Irmo, SC, September 17, 2025
News Summary
The African American Historical Society of Irmo has unveiled a historical marker honoring Harold Boulware, Sr., a key figure in the civil rights movement. Located outside his former residence, the marker commemorates his vital contributions, including the landmark case Briggs vs. Elliott. As a civil rights attorney and the first African American associate judge in Columbia, Boulware worked tirelessly for equal rights despite facing perilous challenges. The ceremony also aims to raise awareness of his legacy, with plans for a potential road name change in his honor.
Irmo Unveils Historical Marker for Civil Rights Icon Harold Boulware, Sr.
The African American Historical Society of Irmo has unveiled a historical marker dedicated to the life and legacy of Harold Boulware, Sr., a prominent civil rights attorney and judge who passed away in 1983. The marker is situated outside of Boulware’s former residence at 101 Lake Murray Blvd in Irmo, serving as a reminder of his significant contributions to the civil rights movement in South Carolina and beyond.
Boulware, an Irmo native, attended Howard University School of Law in Washington, D.C., where he began to lay the foundational work for his future career in civil rights law. In 1950, he filed the landmark civil rights case Briggs vs. Elliott, a pivotal lawsuit that challenged school segregation and ultimately contributed to the national desegregation of schools. This case was one of five cases that collectively became known as Brown v. Board of Education, a landmark Supreme Court decision that would declare racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional.
Experts in civil rights history have noted that Harold Boulware’s contributions were crucial for the progress of the civil rights movement in South Carolina. According to a prominent civil rights historian, Boulware was essential in laying the groundwork for later advancements in civil rights within the state. He was a staunch advocate for equal pay for African American teachers and served as the first African American associate judge of the Columbia Municipal Court, using his judicial position to promote equal justice and fairness.
Throughout his career, Boulware faced dangers and adversity, including threats from the Ku Klux Klan, as he worked tirelessly for civil rights. His commitment to justice was exemplified in his courageous actions, such as hiding in car trunks to attend court hearings when necessary, showcasing his determination to fight for equal rights despite personal risks.
The unveiling ceremony not only honored Boulware’s achievements but also aimed to raise awareness about his legacy, as many people pass by his former home unaware of the historical figure who once lived there. The African American Historical Society of Irmo is also working toward changing the name of the road in front of Boulware’s residence to honor his memory further.
In summary, Harold Boulware, Sr. played a vital role in the civil rights movement through his legal expertise and commitment to fairness and justice. The newly unveiled marker is a testament to his enduring impact, ensuring that current and future generations recognize his contributions to civil rights in the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Harold Boulware, Sr.?
Harold Boulware, Sr. was a civil rights attorney and judge noted for his significant contributions to the civil rights movement, particularly through the landmark case Briggs vs. Elliott.
What is the Briggs vs. Elliott case?
Briggs vs. Elliott was a pivotal civil rights case that challenged school segregation in South Carolina and was one of the five cases combined into the landmark Supreme Court decision Brown v. Board of Education, which declared segregation in public schools unconstitutional.
What award has been established to honor Harold Boulware’s contributions?
The African American Historical Society of Irmo unveiled a historical marker at his former residence to honor his legacy and raise awareness about his contributions to civil rights.
Key Features of Harold Boulware’s Legacy
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Civil Rights Attorney | Played a key role in several civil rights cases, notably Briggs vs. Elliott. |
| Judicial Career | First African American associate judge of the Columbia Municipal Court. |
| Advocacy for Education | Advocated for equal pay for African American teachers in South Carolina. |
| Legacy Recognition | Honorary historical marker unveiled at his residence; potential road name change in his honor. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Irmo Honors Judge Harold R. Boulware Sr. with Historical Marker
Additional Resources
- WISTV: New Historical Marker Honors Irmo Civil Rights Hero
- SWLexLedger: Irmo Invites the Community to Unveil a Historical Marker
- ABC News 4: Historic Black Irmo Cemetery Restored from 1800s
- The State: Historic Marker Unveiling Ceremony
- WLTX: Midlands Tech Celebrates Black History
- Wikipedia: Harold Boulware
- Google Search: Harold Boulware
- Google Scholar: Briggs vs. Elliott
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Civil Rights Movement
- Google News: Harold Boulware
Author: STAFF HERE IRMO
The IRMO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIrmo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Irmo, Lexington and Richland Counties, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Irmo Okra Strut Festival, Harbison Community Events, and local sports tournaments at the Palmetto Health Credit Union Foundation Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission and the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center, plus leading businesses in retail and healthcare that power the local economy such as Village at Sandhill and Lexington Medical Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
