COLUMBIA, SC (WLTX)- They are called the Elloree 21.
Twenty one school teachers at Elloree training school in Orangeburg county who refused to sign an oath saying they weren't members of the NAACP that they didn't believe in integration, or racial equality.
The 1956 South Carolina law stated that NAACP members and their families could not hold state positions.
But Laura Fleshman wasn't going to deny her beliefs to keep her job.
"The principal and his wife called a meeting with all the teachers in the conference room and we discussed it and we decided we were going to tear up that affidavit and send it in with our resignation," she said. "And that's what we did. Because I was a member. (laugh) but even if I wasn't a member, I wouldn't have signed that affidavit. I couldn't believe they sent that to us."
Hattie Anderson is also a member of the Elloree 21. She says her dream of being a teacher was crushed after schools across the state refused to hire her.
"You know working 3 years and losing your job and not having a job was hard," she said, "but it was my decision not to sign the contract because I was a Christian and I was not going to take an oath saying I wasn't a member of the NAACP."
Anderson's legacy has spanned generations... her granddaughter Kerri is now a teacher at Elloree middle school,
"It just took a lot of courage to make that stand so I really appreciate that they made that stand so that we can enjoy the liberties and freedoms that we have now," Kerri said. "Being able to stand alone, even when there's no one standing with you. If it's a just cause, then stand for that. Because you could make a difference for generations down the line."
The Senate honored the three members who are still living..
A small thank you for the stand they took over half a century ago. A stand that both ended the anti-NAACP law....and paved the way for equality in South Carolina.
"It makes me feel good to be recognized," Anderson said. "Even through its been 58 years, to be recognized for the sacrifices we made during that time."
