15 Facts About Cecil Ivory

In 2017, Ivory was named a Freedom Walkway Local Hero for his activism by the City of Rock Hill.

Cecil Ivory was born to an African American Baptist family in Arkadelphia, Arkansas on March 3,1921.

Cecil Ivory was the third of four children, and his father died of a fever while Ivory was a toddler.

Cecil Ivory's time spent studying there drew him to the Presbyterian Church.

Cecil Ivory was the Director of Religious Education at Harbison Junior College.

Cecil Ivory obtained a master's degree from the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia, and was awarded an honorary doctorate of divinity in 1960 from Johnson C Smith University for his ministry.

From June to October 1961, Cecil Ivory was hospitalized with severe pressure ulcers.

Cecil Ivory died on November 10,1961, from an infection.

Cecil Ivory was the NAACP chapter president of the city from 1953 until his death in 1961, and organized sit-ins and bail postings for arrested activists.

Cecil Ivory created a carpool service to provide rides to the community during the boycott.

Cecil Ivory arranged for nonviolent direct action training for the protesters from James Thomas McCain Sr.

Cecil Ivory rolled up to the lunch counter and explained that he was not violating any of the Jim Crow laws that prohibited black customers from sitting there, since he was not actually sitting at any of the seats.

Cecil Ivory was granted a certificate of merit for the Rock Hill chapter's courageous and unselfish service.

Cecil Ivory's actions were acknowledged and applauded by national civil rights leaders such as Ella Baker, Thurgood Marshall and James Farmer.

Cecil Ivory rallied local supporters to shield the riders as they got to the cars.