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2023 Local Heroes
Each year, the City of Rock Hill honors local heroes and records their stories here. Freedom Walkway recognizes heroes of the past, present and future whose efforts helped to promote
justice and equality for all.
William M.
Chisholm
People's Champion
Chisolm, who never married nor had children, believed that Blacks would never break the chains of poverty without marketable skills. His original goal was to train girls as domestics. While many middle-class White families employed Black women as low-paid servants, Chisolm believed that if girls were trained in sewing and other domestic skills, they could land better paying jobs up North. He later expanded his vision to include training young men in plumbing and other trades.
Margaret H.
Gregg
A Moral Voice For Equality
Margaret Gregg is believed to be the first state employee to publicly challenge South Carolina segregation laws. During a time when female voices were seldom heard in the public arena, she stood for the rights of African Americans. As a result, her livelihood was threatened and her First Amendment rights of free speech and association were denied.
Levy Deas
Defender of Fish Creek
A native of North Carolina, Levy Deas moved with his family to Rock Hill before 1900. After trying several occupations, in 1923 he purchased a 70-acre farm on Fishing Creek, a few miles southwest of the town. The property included a historic grist mill and cotton gin, which he refurbished.
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