The African American Historical Society of Irmo held a marker dedication celebration September 16 at 101 Lake Murray Boulevard.
The marker is a memorial to the Honorable Judge Harold R. Boulware, Sr. for his enduring fight for justice and equality in South Carolina.
Hundreds gathered to hear speakers talk about their relationship to the late judge including family members. The tribute’s master of ceremonies was Erika Glover of WLTX-TV.
Speakers included former politician and civil rights activist James L. Felder, founding partner of Moore Bradley Myers, Atty. S. Jahue Jake Moore Sr., Gail Simons Morales who grew up as a neighbor to Judge Boulware, Mr. Joseph A. DeLaine, Jr. who is the son of Rev. Joseph A. DeLaine, Sr. and John P. Chism, grandson to Judge Harold Boulware, Sr.
Dr. Bobby J. Donaldson, Professor of History, Director of Civil Rights History and Research at the University of South Carolina, gave a speech about the legacy of Judge Boulware and his determination for justice for all.
“There would be no civil rights in South Carolina if not for Judge Boulware,” said Donaldson.
Boulware was fundamental in the school desegregation case that became the most celebrated civil rights case in American history.
Lawerence Coleman of the African American Historical Society of Irmo introduced their current members and spoke on how long the society has been working on this presentation.
“It was a long time coming,” said Coleman. “He’s truly our unsung hero in Irmo.”
The road marker is on the property of the Boulware home along Lake Murray Boulevard.
