The Orangeburg Massacre took place on February 8, 1968, at South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, South Carolina. This tragic event occurred during a period of intense civil rights activism and protests against racial segregation and discrimination in the United States.

On the night of the incident, students at South Carolina State University were protesting the segregation of a local bowling alley. The protest turned violent when police officers and National Guardsmen opened fire on the crowd of students, killing three and injuring many others.

The victims of the Orangeburg Massacre were Samuel Hammond, Delano Middleton, and Henry Smith, all of whom were unarmed and nonviolent protesters. The incident was a stark reminder of the systemic racism and violence that African Americans faced in their struggle for civil rights during this turbulent period in American history.

The Orangeburg Massacre received limited national attention compared to other tragic events of the civil rights era, such as the Birmingham church bombing and the Selma to Montgomery march. However, it remains an important chapter in Black history and serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for racial equality and justice in America.