# Lucille Whipper

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{{Short description|American politician (1928–2021)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2021}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| honorific_prefix =
| name             = Lucille Whipper
| honorific_suffix = 
| image            = 
| alt              = 
| state_house      = South Carolina
| district         = 109th
| term_start       = 1986
| term_end         = November 8, 1996
| predecessor      = [Robert Roosevelt Woods](/source/Robert_Roosevelt_Woods)
| successor        = [David Mack](/source/David_Mack_(politician))
| prior_term       = 
| birth_name       = Lucille Simmons
| birth_date       = {{birth date|1928|6|6}}
| birth_place      = [Charleston, South Carolina](/source/Charleston%2C_South_Carolina), U.S.
| death_date       = {{death date and age|2021|08|27|1928|6|6}}
| death_place      = 
| profession       = 
| party            = [Democratic](/source/Democratic_Party_(United_States)) 
}}
'''Lucille Simmons Whipper''' (June 6, 1928 – August 27, 2021) was an American [Democratic Party](/source/Democratic_Party_(United_States)) politician who served in the [South Carolina House of Representatives](/source/South_Carolina_House_of_Representatives) from 1986 to 1996. Whipper is most well known for accomplishments in both education and politics. In the educational field, Whipper worked at two high schools before landing a job at the [College of Charleston](/source/College_of_Charleston). Here, Whipper implemented an affirmative action program and played a major role in integrating the [Avery Institute](/source/Avery_Research_Center_for_African_American_History_and_Culture), a center dedicated to African American history, with the college.  In politics, Whipper was the first black woman to represent a Charleston County seat in the legislature. She was also the first woman of color ever to be elected to the [South Carolina General Assembly](/source/South_Carolina_General_Assembly).

== Early life ==
Lucille Whipper was born on June 6, 1928, in Charleston, South Carolina.<ref name=":137">{{Cite web |title=The Honorable Lucille Whipper's Biography |url=https://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/honorable-lucille-whipper |access-date=2023-04-03 |website=The HistoryMakers |language=en}}</ref> She was the daughter of Joseph Simmons and Sarah Washington, a couple who separated when Whipper was young.<ref name=":152">{{Cite web |title=Lucille Whipper: Rebirth of Avery Normal |url=https://digital.library.sc.edu/exhibits/champions/volume-4-2/part-5/lucille-whipper/ |website=Champions of Civil and Human Rights in South Carolina: A Digital Exhibition by the Department of Oral History at the University of South Carolina}}</ref> Growing up, Whipper spent her time in [North Charleston](/source/North_Charleston%2C_South_Carolina) and in the Liberty Hill section of east Charleston.<ref name=":178" /> Whipper attended high school at the Avery Institute, an all-black high school in Charleston, South Carolina.<ref name=":178">{{Cite web |title=Whipper, Lucille Simmons |url=https://www.scencyclopedia.org/sce/entries/whipper-lucille-simmons/ |access-date=2023-04-27 |website=South Carolina Encyclopedia |language=en-US}}</ref> Here, Whipper had an encounter with civil rights activism when her graduating class sought to desegregate the [College of Charleston](/source/College_of_Charleston).<ref name=":168">{{Cite web |title=SC Rep. Lucille Simmons Whipper |url=https://scafricanamerican.com/honorees/sc-rep-lucille-simmons-whipper/ |access-date=2023-04-03 |website=South Carolina African American History Calendar |language=en-US}}</ref> A large group of people in her class applied to the College of Charleston, but their efforts of desegregation were unsuccessful.<ref name=":144">{{Cite web |last=Kerr |first=Amanda |date=2022-01-27 |title=The Late Lucille Whipper Was a Model Citizen |url=https://today.cofc.edu/2022/01/27/the-late-lucille-whipper-was-a-model-citizen/ |access-date=2023-04-03 |website=The College Today |language=en-US}}</ref> After becoming a private school, the college was able to stay segregated.<ref name=":2">Parker, Adam. "Seeing Glory; Long March from Selma Leads Barack Obama to King's Promised Land." ''The Post and Courier'', Jan 18, 2009, pp. E.1''. U.S. Newsstream''.</ref>

== Education ==

Although Whipper was denied (along with a large part of her graduating class) from the College of Charleston, she was accepted into [Talladega College](/source/Talladega_College) in Alabama.<ref name=":185">{{Cite web |last=LLC |first=Grace Funeral Services |title=Obituary for Honorable Dr. Lucille S. Whipper {{!}} Grace Funeral Services, LLC |url=https://www.gracefuneralservicesllc.com/obituary/HonorableDrLucille-Whipper |access-date=2023-04-27 |website=Obituary for Honorable Dr. Lucille S. Whipper {{!}} Grace Funeral Services, LLC |language=en}}</ref> Here, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in economics and sociology.<ref name=":137" /> Later, Whipper went to the [University of Chicago](/source/University_of_Chicago), graduating in 1955 with a Masters of Arts degree in political science.<ref name=":178" /><ref name=":185" />

== Career ==

=== Academic positions ===
After graduating from Talladega College, Whipper went back to Charleston where she taught social studies at public schools.<ref name=":178" /> Then, in 1955 (after graduating from the University of Chicago), Whipper returned to Charleston where she worked as the director of guidance services at two prominent all-black high schools: Burke High School and [Bonds-Wilson High School](/source/Bonds-Wilson_High_School).<ref name=":178" /> In the late 1960s, Whipper and a few others jumped on the opportunity to start Operation Catch-Up, a program funded by a federal grant coming from Andrew Johnson's “[War on Poverty](/source/War_on_Poverty).”<ref name=":137" /><ref name=":168" /> Operation Catch-Up sought to tutor and mentor underserved high school students in the Charleston area.<ref name=":137" /> As director of this county wide program, Whipper successfully placed many high school graduates into colleges and universities.<ref name=":168" />

In 1972, Whipper landed a job at the College of Charleston as Director of the Office of Human Relations and Assistant to the President, making her the first African American to hold this position.<ref name=":168" /> Serving under administrator Theodore Stern, Whipper led the way in developing the school's first affirmative action plan.<ref name=":185" /> In 1975, Whipper took a leave of absence to focus her attention back to public schooling.<ref name=":178" /> During this time, she worked on directing a multimillion-dollar federal project called the Elementary and Secondary School Aid Act (ESSA).<ref name=":178" /><ref name=":185" /> As director of ESSA, Whipper worked in collaboration with the [Charleston County School District](/source/Charleston_County_School_District) to develop school programs in the area.<ref name=":178" />

After two years, Whipper returned to the College of Charleston where she continued her work as Director of the Office of Human Relations and Assistant to the President.<ref name=":185" /> At the College of Charleston, she helped transform her old High School (the Avery Institute) into the Avery Institute of Afro-American History and Culture.<ref name=":194">{{Cite web |last=Lamb |first=Sarah |date=2021-08-31 |title=Remembering former S.C. Rep Lucille Whipper: CCF donor, civic-leader and educator |url=https://coastalcommunityfoundation.org/remembering-lucille-whipper-ccf-donor-civic-leader-and-educator/ |access-date=2023-04-03 |website=Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina |language=en-US}}</ref> With the support of a variety of members on the Charleston College Academic board and the president of the college, [Theodore Stern](/source/Theodore_Stern),  Whipper was able to organize the Avery Institute of Afro-American History and Culture committee.<ref name=":137" /><ref name=":168" /> In 1985, this committee created the Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture.<ref name=":185" /> Whipper's work and dedication to the Avery Institute played a critical role in its preservation and integration with the College of Charleston.<ref name=":178" /><ref name=":144" /> Whipper eventually ended her career at the College of Charleston in 1981 when she retired.<ref name=":185" />

=== Political career ===
Whipper first entered politics in 1972 when she served as vice chairman of the Democratic Party Convention.<ref name=":137" /> She was eventually elected to the school board of Charleston District 20, a position she held from 1978 to 1982.<ref name=":185" /> Later, Whipper sought a position of greater public service, and in 1986, she became the first African American woman to be elected to a South Carolina seat in the House of Representatives.<ref name=":178" /><ref name=":194" /> Whipper was the first women of color to ever be elected to the [South Carolina General Assembly](/source/South_Carolina_General_Assembly), too.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 8, 2011 |title=Gov. Haley to be honored |url=https://www.thestate.com/latest-news/article14391977.html |url-status= |access-date=October 4, 2021 |website=The State}}</ref> Whipper was a democrat and represented seat 109, a working class district covering parts of the East Copper area, North Charleston, and the center of the Charleston peninsula.<ref name=":6">Baxley, Colette. "Three in Running for House 109 Seat." ''The Post and Courier'', May 29, 1996, pp. 1''. ProQuest Central''.</ref> She served for ten years where she had two major legislative contributions.<ref name=":137" /><ref name=":194" /> She sponsored one piece of legislature that made [marital rape](/source/marital_rape) a crime, and another piece of legislature that allowed minorities and [females](/source/Women_in_the_workforce) to be hired more easily in the workplace.<ref name=":168" /> In addition, Whipper fought for women to get insurance coverage for [mammograms](/source/Mammography).<ref name=":1">Wenger, Yvonne. "Black, Female, Elected, Ready to Lead." ''The Post and Courier'', Oct 2, 2007, pp. B1''. ProQuest Central''.</ref> In 1992, Whipper was nominated for Speaker Pro Tempore (a top leadership post in the House), by Tim Rodgers in an attempt to send positive signals to the blacks.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |title=HOUSE JOURNAL for Dec. 8, 1992 - South Carolina Legislature Online |url=https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess110_1993-1994/hj93/19921208.htm |access-date=2023-04-27 |website=www.scstatehouse.gov}}</ref><ref name=":7">Karr, Gary. "Losing no. 2 Post Irks Black Members." ''Herald'', Dec 13, 1992, pp A9. ''ProQuest Central.''</ref> In a 36–86 vote, Whipper lost the race the Representative [David H. Wilkins](/source/David_H._Wilkins).<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":7" /> Whipper officially stepped down from office in 1996 which marked the end of her 10-year stint in the House.<ref name=":144" /> In 1999, Whipper's service in office was recognized by the South Carolina state government after they decided to name a connector bridge in Charleston after her.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |title=1999-2000 Bill 4194: The Honorable Lucille S. Whipper, Connector named in Charleston County by Transportation Department, Resolutions - South Carolina Legislature Online |url=https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess113_1999-2000/bills/4194.htm |access-date=2023-04-26 |website=www.scstatehouse.gov}}</ref><ref name=":4">Graves, Rachel. "Bridge Link may be a Tribute to Whipper." ''The Post and Courier'', Jun 6, 1999, pp. 1''. ProQuest Central''.</ref>

== Awards and honors ==

* Honorary Doctorates of Humane Letters from [Morris College](/source/Morris_College) (1989) and the University of Charleston (1992)<ref name=":168" />
* Legislator of the Year (1992)<ref name=":168" />
* Inducted into the [South Carolina Hall of Fame](/source/South_Carolina_Hall_of_Fame) (1995)<ref name=":5">Lewis, Kimberly. "Bell, Whipper Join the S.C. Black Hall of Fame." ''The Post and Courier'', Jun 5, 1995, pp. 11''. ProQuest Central''.</ref>
* Listed as one of “Charleston’s One Hundred Most Influential since 1670” in ''Charleston Magazine'' (2007)<ref name=":168" />

== Personal life ==
While attending Talladega College, Whipper married her first husband, who died shortly after they got married.<ref name=":178" /> His death forced Whipper to move back to Charleston and provide for her infant son while teaching at public high schools.<ref name=":178" /> In 1957, Whipper married Reverend Benjamin Whipper, who later died on June 13, 1998, at 85 years old.<ref name=":20">Willoughby, Laura. "Baptist Minister Whipper Dies at 85." ''The Post and Courier'', Jun 15, 1998, pp. 1''. ProQuest Central''.</ref> Benjamin Whipper had 5 children from a previous relationship, and Lucille Whipper had one child from a previous relationship.<ref name=":178" /> When they got married, their families blended and they had one child together.<ref name=":178" /> The Whipper's sent all seven of their children to college.<ref name=":3">Frazier, Eric. "Benjamin Whipper 'Gentle Ben' Pillar of Church." ''The Post and Courier'', Apr 6, 1996, pp. 1''. ProQuest Central''.</ref> One of their children, [Seth Whipper](/source/Seth_Whipper), followed in Whipper's footsteps and served as a representative in the South Carolina House of Representatives.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web |last1=Kropf |first1=Schuyler |last2=Garrison |first2=Steve |title=Former state lawmaker and educator Lucille Whipper has passed |url=https://www.postandcourier.com/news/former-state-lawmaker-and-educator-lucille-whipper-has-passed/article_c3ddf5c6-0838-11ec-ad8f-b7fc6ad2a4f2.html |website=Post and Courier|date=August 28, 2021 }}</ref>

Whipper's husband, Benjamin, was a prominent member of the church. He was a pastor at two Charleston churches (Charity Baptist Church and St. Matthew Baptist Church) for nearly five decades.<ref name=":20" /><ref name=":3" /> In addition, he became a prominent member of the [National Baptist Convention USA](/source/National_Baptist_Convention%2C_USA%2C_Inc.) Inc where he became well acquainted with some of the most influential baptist's in the nation.<ref name=":3" /> Like her husband, Whipper was also involved with the church.<ref name=":3" /> For example, Whipper served as a faculty member of the National Congress of Christian Education.<ref name=":168" /> In addition, Whipper was president of the Women's Educational and Missionary Convention of South Carolina.<ref name=":168" />

=== Activism ===
Outside of the church and after retirement from the House of Representatives, Whipper continued her activist endeavors.<ref name=":0">Diette, Courrege. "New Committee Backs 4 in Race for School Board Seats." ''McClatchy - Tribune Business News'', Oct 5, 2006, pp. 1''. ProQuest Central''.</ref> In 2003, for example, Whipper founded Low Country Aid to Africa (LCAA), an organization dedicated towards raising awareness and money for Africa.<ref name=":10">Hardin, Jason. "Lowcountry Group Aims to Aid Africa." ''The Post and Courier'', May 18, 2003, pp. B1''. ProQuest Central.''</ref><ref name=":11">McCray, Jack. "Low Country Aid to Africa Fundraiser." ''The Post and Courier'', Jan 20, 2011, pp. E6''. ProQuest Central''.</ref> LCAA was ultimately created because Whipper believed the media was ignoring Africa's problems, especially since the [Sept. 11 attacks](/source/September_11_attacks).<ref name=":10" /> This initiative has raised tens of thousands of dollars for both African children affected by AIDS and local [HIV/AIDS](/source/HIV%2FAIDS) prevention clinics.<ref name=":11" />

In 2006, Whipper and retired financial executive Paul Hines actively backed 4 people (Toya Green, Ruth Jordan, Gregg Meyers and Susan Simons) in a Charleston County school board race.<ref name=":0" /> Whipper was co-chair of the Blue Ribbon Education Committee, a group that opposed the incumbents from getting reelected.<ref name=":0" /> To Whipper, the incumbent school board members (Lurline Fishburne, Ray Toler, [Robin Beard](/source/Robin_Beard), and [Arthur Ravenel](/source/Arthur_Ravenel_Jr.)) threatened the future of Charleston education because they were far more concerned with politics than children's education.<ref name=":0" />

In addition, Whipper was also a supporter of the Circle of Influence Leadership Summit that occurred in December 2007.<ref name=":1" /> This summit, which was sponsored by [AARP](/source/AARP) South Carolina, was an opportunity for black women to come together and find a way to solve social problems that persist in their communities.<ref name=":1" /> Whipper hoped that this summit would address the decrease in black women officeholders and put more black women in office.<ref name=":1" /> This, to Whipper, was important because of the unique perspective black women bring to politics.<ref name=":1" />

== Death ==
Lucille Whipper died on Friday, August 27, 2021.<ref name=":122">{{Cite web |title=Lucille Whipper Obituary (2021) - Charleston, SC - Charleston Post & Courier |url=https://obits.postandcourier.com/us/obituaries/charleston/name/lucille-whipper-obituary?id=32966593 |access-date=2023-04-03 |website=Legacy.com}}</ref> Her son, Seth Whipper, said there was no underlying cause for her death.<ref name="auto" /> Her funeral was held on Friday, September 3, 2021, at Grace Funeral Services, located at 1947 Highway 52, [Moncks Corner, SC](/source/Moncks_Corner%2C_South_Carolina) 29461.<ref name=":122" /> At the time of her death, Whipper had 19 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and 26 great-great-grandchildren.<ref name=":122" />

==References==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6j3HZda09DE Rep. Lucille Whipper interview]  on [YouTube](/source/YouTube)
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZ9vAGhXeAA Rep. Lucille Whipper funeral service, part 1] on [WCBD-TV](/source/WCBD-TV)
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNeFkAol01E Rep. Lucille Whipper funeral service, part 2] on [WCBD-TV](/source/WCBD-TV)
* [https://cdm16817.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p16817coll21/id/9387 Image, Rep. Lucille Whipper at Martin Luther King birthday observance at the South Carolina State House, 1989]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Whipper, Lucille}}
Category:1928 births
Category:2021 deaths
Category:20th-century American women politicians
Category:African-American state legislators in South Carolina
Category:Politicians from Charleston, South Carolina
Category:Talladega College alumni
Category:University of Chicago alumni
Category:Democratic Party members of the South Carolina House of Representatives
Category:20th-century African-American women politicians
Category:20th-century African-American politicians
Category:21st-century African-American politicians
Category:21st-century African-American women politicians
Category:21st-century American women politicians
Category:Women state legislators in South Carolina
Category:20th-century members of the South Carolina General Assembly

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Lucille Whipper](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucille_Whipper) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucille_Whipper?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.