The Orangeburg Massacre is a documentary that revisits one of the most tragic and overlooked events in American history. On February 8, 1968, South Carolina state police opened fire on a group of unarmed Black students who were peacefully protesting racial segregation at a local bowling alley in Orangeburg, South Carolina. The shooting left three young men—Samuel Hammond, Delano Middleton, and Henry Ezekiel Smith—dead, and 28 others injured. Despite its significance, the Orangeburg Massacre has remained largely forgotten in the broader narrative of the Civil Rights Movement. This documentary aims to bring the Orangeburg Massacre back into the spotlight, offering new insights and perspectives that have never before been shared. Through interviews with survivors, family members of the victims, historians, and other key figures, the film explores the events leading up to the massacre, the chaos of that tragic night, and the lasting impact on the Orangeburg community and the families involved. Key participants include Cecil Williams, a photographer and South Carolina State University alumnus who documented the Civil Rights Movement; Ellen Zisholtz, Executive Director of the Center for Creative Partnerships, which owns the bowling alley; Emily Andre, the secret daughter of Henry Smith; and Dr. Charlie Spell, a survivor of the massacre. The documentary also seeks to include perspectives from other significant figures, such as Cleveland Sellers, a wrongfully convicted activist, and the families of the other victims. The film not only revisits the historical significance of the massacre but also connects it to ongoing struggles for racial justice today. By shedding light on this forgotten chapter of history, the documentary seeks to honor the memory of the victims and inspire a deeper understanding of the fight for civil rights. Through powerful storytelling and new revelations, “The Orangeburg Massacre” aims to ensure that this critical moment is remembered and that the sacrifices of these young men are acknowledged and honored.
