Benjamin Mays, born in Greenwood County, South Carolina, was a pioneering educator, minister, and civil rights leader. As president of Morehouse College from 1940 to 1967, he raised academic standards, increased faculty with doctorates, and quadrupled enrollment, transforming it into a leading institution for African American higher education.
Mays personally mentored Martin Luther King Jr., inspiring his commitment to nonviolent civil action. His advocacy for equal education led to the creation of schools and programs that challenged segregation and expanded opportunities for African Americans. Mays’ leadership and inspiring speeches helped foster policy changes promoting educational equality and character development—balancing intellect with integrity.
His legacy continues to influence South Carolina’s focus on educational excellence. Notable mentees such as Julian Bond, Maynard Jackson, and Donn Clendenon demonstrate his broad impact on civil rights, politics, and sports. Mays’ enduring impact on education and civil rights continues to inspire future generations in South Carolina and beyond. Benjamin Mays, born in Greenwood County, South Carolina, was a pioneering educator, minister, and civil rights leader. As president of Morehouse College from 1940 to 1967, he raised academic standards, increased faculty with doctorates, and quadrupled enrollment, transforming it into a leading institution for African American higher education.
Presented through a partnership between the South Carolina Department of Education and South Carolina ETV.
View the series on KnowItAll.org here.
The SC African American History Calendar for 2026 is now available here and for downloading here.