Esau Jenkins

Esau Jenkins

Esau Jenkins (July 3, 1910 – October 30, 1972) was a prominent African American civil rights leader, entrepreneur, and community organizer from Johns Island, South Carolina. He is best known for his work in education, transportation, and economic development for African Americans in the Sea Islands region.

Early Life

Esau Jenkins was born on Johns Island, one of the Sea Islands of South Carolina. He grew up in a rural community where educational and economic opportunities for African Americans were severely limited due to Jim Crow laws and systemic racism.

Civil Rights Activism

Jenkins was a key figure in the civil rights movement in South Carolina. He believed in the power of education and self-reliance to uplift the African American community. In the 1940s, he began organizing efforts to improve the lives of African Americans on the Sea Islands.

Education

Jenkins co-founded the Citizenship Schools with Septima Poinsette Clark and Bernice Robinson. These schools were designed to teach literacy and civic education to African Americans, enabling them to pass literacy tests required for voter registration. The first Citizenship School was established on Johns Island in 1957.

Transportation

Recognizing the lack of transportation as a barrier to education and employment, Jenkins purchased a bus to transport children and adults from the Sea Islands to schools and jobs in Charleston, South Carolina. This initiative not only provided access to education but also facilitated economic opportunities for the community.

Economic Development

Jenkins was also involved in economic development projects. He founded the Progressive Club, a community center that served as a hub for education, social gatherings, and economic activities. The club offered credit union services, a grocery store, and meeting spaces for civil rights activities.

Legacy

Esau Jenkins' work had a lasting impact on the civil rights movement and the communities of the Sea Islands. His efforts in education, transportation, and economic development helped lay the groundwork for future civil rights advancements. Jenkins' legacy is remembered through various honors and memorials, including the Esau Jenkins Bus Line and the Esau Jenkins Community Center.

See Also

• Septima Poinsette Clark
• Citizenship Schools
• Civil Rights Movement

References

• "Esau Jenkins: A Legacy of Education and Empowerment." Sea Islands Historical Society.
• "The Progressive Club: A Beacon of Hope." Charleston Civil Rights Museum.