Charleston, September 10, 2025

News Summary

Dr. Millicent Brown, a pioneer in school desegregation, shares her experiences integrating Charleston County Public Schools in the 1960s. Growing up in an activist household, she faced numerous challenges while advocating for equality in education. Brown’s legacy continues to inspire the fight for social justice and inclusion, emphasizing the need for active participation in community change.

Charleston, South Carolina: Dr. Millicent Brown Remembers Her Role in School Desegregation

Dr. Millicent Brown, one of the eleven students who bravely integrated Charleston County Public Schools in the early 1960s, reflects on her pivotal role in the fight against educational segregation. As a Charleston native who grew up in an activist household, Brown’s journey began against the backdrop of the landmark 1954 Supreme Court ruling, Brown v. Board of Education, which declared that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional.

Dr. Brown’s father, J. Arthur Brown, was instrumental in advocating for her and her older sister, Minerva, to attend an all-white school after the Supreme Court decision. Despite federal mandates for desegregation, the Charleston County School District resisted integration efforts. In 1959, J. Arthur Brown initiated a lawsuit to enable Minerva’s enrollment at the white Rivers High School, a struggle that extended until her graduation. Due to various circumstances, the legal focus shifted to Millicent, leading to a critical court ruling on August 23, 1963, which mandated the inclusion of Brown and ten other plaintiffs into all-white schools.

This ruling came nearly a decade after the Supreme Court decision that initiated desegregation across the United States. However, it was limited to the named plaintiffs only and did not facilitate wider access for other Black students. Thus, in September 1963, Dr. Brown began her 10th-grade year at Rivers High School, accompanied by only one other Black student, Jackie Ford.

Throughout her high school years, Dr. Brown encountered numerous challenges, including bomb threats and exclusionary treatment from peers. The emotional and psychological toll was significant, leading to health issues that resulted in hospitalization due to stress. Despite these adversities, she found strength through solidarity with peers and viewed her experience as part of a larger movement for racial equality.

After completing her education, Dr. Brown pursued a career as a college professor, historian, and activist. In her retirement, she remains committed to fostering dialogue on inclusion and representation for marginalized communities. Dr. Brown often emphasizes the necessity for individuals to actively participate in driving social change, underscoring that change requires more than mere wishing; it necessitates concerted effort from the community.

As she enjoys tending to her vegetable garden on James Island, Dr. Brown’s legacy as a pioneer in school desegregation continues to resonate within Charleston and beyond. Her life’s work remains a testament to the importance of advocacy, perseverance, and courage in the ongoing fight for civil rights and equality in America’s education system.

Background on School Desegregation

The desegregation of schools in the United States gained momentum following the 1954 Supreme Court ruling in Brown v. Board of Education. This decision was pivotal in dismantling the legal underpinnings of segregation in public education, establishing that separate educational facilities are inherently unequal. Yet, many areas, including Charleston, faced resistance to implementing these changes. Parents like J. Arthur Brown became crucial in the integration process through legal action, reflecting the persistent struggle for equality in education.

Millicent Brown’s Continued Activism

Even in her retirement, Dr. Brown’s dedication to social justice remains evident. She engages in educational activities aimed at promoting inclusion and understanding among diverse communities. Her journey has inspired many to reflect on the importance of confronting inequality and fostering an environment where all individuals feel represented and valued.

FAQ Section

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Additional Resources

• Live 5 News: James Island Woman Reflects on Historic Role in Desegregating SC Schools
• Live 5 News Video: James Island Woman Reflects on Desegregation
• The Conversation: State Attorneys General Have Long Taken on Washington
• The State: Education News
• Mercury News: Today in History – University of Alabama Desegregated

Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON

The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, 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 Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor 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, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.