The Orangeburg Massacre, which took place on February 8, 1968, was a tragic event in the civil rights movement that occurred on the campus of South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, South Carolina. During a protest against racial segregation at a local bowling alley, South Carolina Highway Patrol officers opened fire on a crowd of students, killing three African American students and injuring at least 27 others.

The students had been peacefully protesting against the segregation policy at the All Star Bowling Lanes when tensions escalated and violence broke out. The authorities claimed they fired in self-defense, but there was no evidence to support this claim. Many believe that the response was excessive and unwarranted.

The Orangeburg Massacre was a significant event in the civil rights movement, highlighting the ongoing struggle for racial equality and justice in America. It drew national attention and sparked outrage, leading to increased scrutiny of law enforcement practices and race relations in the United States.

The victims of the Orangeburg Massacre – Samuel Hammond Jr., Delano Middleton, and Henry Smith – are remembered for their bravery and sacrifice in the fight for civil rights. The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by African Americans in their quest for equality and justice.