Orangeburg, S.C. – A youth mentorship nonprofit organization led a march on South Carolina State University (SC State) campus this Thursday. The march aimed to shed light on banned books and memorialize the Orangeburg Massacre. The nonprofit, Why Not Young Lives, aims to transform the society by mentoring high school students and conducting community service.

The group marched from the Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center to the Smith-Hammond-Middleton Legacy Plaza at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday. Both areas on the campus of SC State recognize three individuals who lost their lives during the Orangeburg Massacre – Henry Smith, Samuel Hammond, and Delano Middleton.

On the evening of Feb. 8, 1968, police officers opened fire on a crowd of about 200 unarmed Black students who were protesting for the integration of a local bowling alley. The unfortunate event led to the deaths of Smith and Hammond, who were students at SC State, and Middleton, a high school student at Wilkinson High School. Besides the three deaths, another 28 protestors were injured in the massacre.

In addition to remembering the Orangeburg Massacre, the march organized by Why Not Young Lives also aimed to bring attention to the issue of banned books. Banned books are titles that have been removed from libraries, schools, or bookstores due to their content. This act of censorship is often seen as a challenge to freedom of speech and access to information.

This march was a part of Why Not Young Lives’ Day of Service, held during its five-week Summer Academy youth camp, which ran from June 17 to July 19. The camp hosts students from third grade to eighth grade. By conducting events like this, the organization hopes to provide an all-rounded education to its mentees, teaching them about important cultural and societal issues alongside standard academic subjects.

Youth organizations like Why Not Young Lives play a critical role in shaping the next generation by educating them about our past and the importance of knowledge. By bringing attention to events like the Orangeburg massacre, they ensure our history is not forgotten. Their fight against the banning of books is a fight for the freedom of speech and access to information. Events similar to the march on SC State campus inspire communities to remember, reflect, and strive towards a better future.