From the ETV Tape Vault, we learn more about Matthew Perry, who is known as one of the leading figures in the fight for equal rights for African Americans in SC.
At the time this episode aired, Perry had been appointed judge to the U.S. Court of Military Appeals, in Washington, D.C., and he discussed his career, involvement with the Civil Rights Movement in SC, and his appointment to the U.S. Court of Military Appeals.
Matthew Perry was born in Columbia, SC, on August 3, 1921. He grew up in Columbia, and attended South Carolina State University, studying business administration. His studies were interrupted by being called into the U.S. Army to fight World War II. During these army years, Perry realized that African Americans were being denied their full rights as American citizens. After the war, he resumed his education, pursuing a career in law. Perry felt that he could serve as a force for good with a law career and discusses how he was inspired by Thurgood Marshall.
Upon graduating, Perry moved to Spartanburg to establish his law firm, and to begin the arduous process of achieving equal rights in SC. Perry became actively involved with the SC NAACP. When he returned to Columbia, he established the Jenkins and Perry Law Firm and became the chief legal counsel for the state branch of the NAACP.
Perry discusses “Brown vs Board of Education,” and “Briggs vs Elliot.” His victories came in 1962, with court cases such as “Gantt vs Clemson College,” and “Monteith vs University of SC,” furthermore, he was called upon to represent the parents of the dead students in the Orangeburg Massacre.
His cases went on to desegregate public parks, beaches, and other recreational areas. He had an impact on hospitals, airports, schools and even into the SC House of Representatives, and in 1975, after a nomination from Senator Strom Thurmond, then President Gerald Ford nominated Matthew Perry to a position on the U.S. Court of Military Appeals.
Side Notes
- Thurgood Marshall - Justice Thurgood Marshall Profile - Brown v. Board of Education Re-enactment. Biography and profile. As a lawyer and judge, Thurgood Marshall strived to protect the rights of all citizens. His legacy earned him the nickname "Mr. Civil Rights."
- NAACP - or National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, is a civil rights organization founded in 1909. It is the oldest and largest U.S. civil rights organization, dedicated to ensuring political, educational, social, and economic equality for minority citizens, and eliminating race prejudice.
