Unforgettable: The Civil Rights Photography of Cecil Williams

Cecil Williams (b. 1937) is a veteran photojournalist and native of Orangeburg, SC. Williams documented many significant stories and events during the civil rights era, including the prosecution of Briggs v. Elliott (early 1950s) and the Orangeburg Massacre (1968). At age 14, Williams became the youngest contributing photographer to JET magazine. Williams’ career spans over 70 years; he has authored several books and serves as the director of the South Carolina Civil Rights Museum.

This exhibition features a selection of Williams’ photographs, accompanied by interpretive text for each, highlighting Williams’ work while also exploring the broader role of photography in the Civil Rights movement. This is the first photography exhibition to be featured in the museum's Special Exhibit Gallery.

The public is invited to meet Mr. Williams and view the photography on display at the exhibition reception on the evening of Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 5:00 - 7:00 pm. There is no cost required attend the reception or view the exhibition.

This exhibit is sponsored through the Eastern Carolina Community Foundation Florence County Museum Civil Justice Fund.

Unforgettable: The Civil Rights Photography of Cecil Williams will be on view November 12, 2025 through May 17, 2026 in the Special Exhibits Gallery.