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Strom Thurmond
Former South Carolina Senator
Segregationist, 24-Hour Filibuster
Overview
Strom Thurmond was the longest-serving Senator in U.S. history, a vicious segregationist who conducted a 24-hour filibuster against Civil Rights Act. He fathered a secret Black daughter while promoting white supremacy. He switched from Democrat to Republican over civil rights.
Key Affiliations
Controversies & Concerns
SEGREGATIONIST: Ran for President on segregation
FILIBUSTER: 24+ hour filibuster against civil rights
SECRET DAUGHTER: Fathered Black child with family maid
HYPOCRISY: White supremacist with Black daughter
PARTY SWITCH: Left Democrats over civil rights
Related Investigations (1)
Known Associates & Connections
Jesse Helms
Fellow Southern segregationist senator
Trent Lott
Lott praised Thurmond's segregationist campaign, causing scandal
George Wallace
Fellow segregationist political figure
Sources & Documentation
4 documented sources from official records, investigations, and reports
Personal Information
- Born
- December 5, 1902
- Birthplace
- Edgefield, South Carolina
Education
- •Clemson University
Key Timeline
December 5, 1902
Born in South Carolina
1925
Fathered Essie Mae Washington-Williams
1948
Ran for President as Dixiecrat
1954-2003
U.S. Senator
1957
24-hour filibuster against Civil Rights Act
1964
Switched to Republican Party
2003
Died at 100, secret daughter revealed