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2024 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.
Father Edward Wahl came to Rock Hill from New York City with 22 Catholic seminarians to establish the Oratory community. He experienced firsthand the persecution of Blacks and immigrants, as well as those practicing non-Protestant religions, including Catholicism and Judaism. Upon his return to Rock Hill in 1945 following ordination as a full priest, Father Edward became a force for social justice and equal rights. He encouraged his brothers Richard and Joseph, also priests, to move to Rock Hill and work towards social justice within the community.
Reverend James S.
White
Impassioned Opponent of Lynching
Reverend James S. White came face to face with an angry mob intent on lynching three African American men thought to have been part of the murder of a local businessman. He confronted the crowd and convinced them to allow these men to be heard in a court of law with a fair trial, effectively saving their lives. It is believed that the crowd responded favorably to Reverend White’s pleas as a respected and beloved minister, citizen, and civic leader.
Winthrop's Black
Pioneers
Arnetta Gladden Mackey, Sue Frances Meriwether Steed, Delores Johnson Hurt
Undergraduate students Arnetta Gladden Mackey ‘67, Sue Frances Meriwether Steed ’67 and Delores Johnson Hurt ’68 along with graduate student Cynthia Roddey Plair ’67 (2019 honoree) broke barriers of segregation with their 1964 enrollment at Winthrop.
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