COLUMBIA, S.C. — The City of Columbia honored a South Carolina native and their artwork which pays tribute to a civil rights icon from the state.
"The Pursuit of Justice, Sarah Mae Flemming" by Andrew and Sarah McWilson now sits at Woodland Park, which is at 6500 Olde Knight Parkway in Columbia. A dedication ceremony was held for the artwork Thursday.
Flemming was the Eastover woman who was expelled from a Columbia public bus in 1954, months before Rosa Parks' famous case in Alabama. The bus driver took exception as to where Flemming was sitting as a white woman had just gotten up from the same seat when she exited the bus. As Flemming tried to exit from the front of the bus at the next stop, the bus driver punched her and directed her to exit at the rear door.
Flemming sued saying the her 14th Amendment rights were violated. Her case lasted three years and went through dismissals, appeals, and two trials. Although she was never granted an award for damages, Flemming’s case laid the groundwork for Parks' successful suit in 1956.
This is the second public art dedication ceremony the city has held.