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Author and teacher Essie Mae Washington-Williams died in Columbia, S.C. according to several news reports. Washington-Williams, who was African-American, came to attention in 2003, when she publicly disclosed her father's name: the late Sen. Strom Thurmond, (R-S.C.), a one-time devoted segregationist.
"My children deserve the right to know from whom, where and what they have come," she said at a news conference on Dec. 17, 2003, according to the New York Times. "I am committed in teaching them and helping them to learn about their past. It is their right to know and understand the rich history of their ancestry, black and white."
Washington-Williams eventually wrote an autobiography, titled Dear Senator: A Memoir by the Daughter of Strom Thurmond.
The truth is this: Essie's mother, Carrie Butler, was a 15-year-old African-American house maid in the Thurmonds' South Carolina home when she became pregnant by Thurmond, who was 22, an act that is now considered statutory rape. As the LA Times reports, Butler gave birth to Essie Mae when she was 16. The baby was soon sent north to an aunt and uncle in Pennsylvania. Essie Mae returned in 1941 when she was 16 and her mother was ill; she was taken to meet her father for the first time.
RIP Essie Mae, you represent MANY of the invisible children of the fathers of the Old South.
Strom paid for her education and financially took responsibility for her. He was a different guy to be sure,but also a true patriot who even though was in his 40s served in combat during WW2.
Strom paid for her education and financially took responsibility for her. He was a different guy to be sure,but also a true patriot who even though was in his 40s served in combat during WW2.
That was the very least he could do, don't you think?
Yes, a father supporting and educating his own child. Give him a medal.
Sure! He would not even publicly acknowledge her. What do you think that did to her feelings of self-worth?
It is not unknown for those is power to take advantage of the hired help or anyone subservient to them. Why do you think there are so many light-skinned black folks and Indians in this country?
I think Essie May talked about the relationship between Strom and her mother in a few interviews. I don't think her mother ever really said anything bad about Strom, or the attraction that allowed them to be sexually involved with one another. Atleast for those times, I think it was a mutually beneficial relationship.
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