Greenville Eight member remembers Jesse Jackson’s early activism
Surviving member recalls 1960 library sit-in that helped desegregate Greenville
GREENVILLE, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - More than 60 years ago, eight young Black students were arrested for protesting segregation during a sit-in at Greenville’s main public library. The group became known as “The Greenville Eight,” and one of them was the Rev. Jesse Jackson.
Dee Dee Wright, a Greenville native and surviving member of the group, remembers Jackson from their youth and the night in 1960 when they became part of the Greenville Eight. She and Jackson also grew up and went to school together.
“His nickname was Bo Diddley. I don’t think many people knew that,” Wright said with a chuckle.
Wright doesn’t remember where Jackson’s nickname came from, but she does remember the events that led to their protest.
The sit-in started because Jackson needed a book that was only available at the white library.
“And that would take sometimes a week or 10 days,” Wright said.
Their sit-in ultimately helped desegregate Greenville’s main public library.
Jackson’s broader impact
Wright said Jackson’s influence extended beyond civil rights activism. She noted his work as a hostage negotiator, helping free American soldiers captured in Syria in 1999.
“Now, to me, that is huge. He was truly a leader. But with that leadership, he was very compassionate,” Wright said.
She said Jackson also changed the trajectory of the Democratic Party by successfully advocating for elected delegates instead of proportional delegates, a move that gave more voice to voters.
Sterling High School roots
Wright believes Jackson’s impact is directly tied to their roots at Sterling High School, a segregated school that once stood in the Judson community.
“Sterling High School, bless her name. Whether in defeat or victory, we are loyal just the same,” Wright said, repeating part of their Alma Mater.
Wright said Jackson’s courage and faith helped him through both defeats and victories.
If Jackson were here, Wright said he would have a message: “You cannot allow someone to define you or your worth. And I think that’s one of the things that Reverend Jackson always tried to instill in us. You define yourself by your actions and by your character.”
Wright’s message to Jackson: “Love you much.”
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