History's Hook 02-14-2026 Columbia Race Riots 1946 Part2

History's Hook 02-14-2026 Columbia Race Riots 1946 Part2

From Front Porch Radio - History's Hook by Tom Price

February 14, 2026 · 1h 0m · Episode 172

About this episode

The episode discusses the Columbia Race Riot of 1946, its causes, and its significance in American history.

February 25, 1946 was a pivotal day in the history of the country, but no one knew it at the time. Gladys Stephenson and her son James had a disagreement with a local store over their treatment, and an altercation ensued that sparked a serious racial conflict in a community that had a history of strained race relations. The governor called out the National Guard, blood was shed, and people died. More than 100 African Americans were jailed. The subsequent court case featured some of the finest trial lawyers in the country. The incident, remembered as the Columbia Race Riot, was the first such event following World War 2, and marked the first step in the American Civil Rights Movement. Hosts Tom Price and Jo Ann McClellan are joined by historian Dr. Gail O’Brien, author of the book The Color of the Law which talks about his pivotal event in American History.

People in this episode

Hosts: Tom Price, Jo Ann McClellan

Guest: Dr. Gail O’Brien

Topics covered

  • race relations
  • American Civil Rights Movement
  • historical events
  • Columbia Race Riot
  • legal history

Keywords

  • Columbia Race Riot
  • 1946
  • Gladys Stephenson
  • James
  • National Guard
  • Civil Rights Movement
  • trial lawyers
  • racial conflict

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: The Color of the Law

Places: Columbia

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