News Summary
The city of Greenville mourns the loss of Ruth Ann Butler, a revered civil rights activist, who passed away on January 15, 2025. Butler, known for her significant contributions to preserving African American history and fighting for equality, inspired many through her community initiatives. Her funeral on January 26 drew around 250 attendees, highlighting her lasting impact on the community. Butler’s legacy will be carried on through the South Carolina Empowerment & History Museum, ensuring future generations remember her fight for justice.
Greenville Community Comes Together to Honor Ruth Ann Butler, Civil Rights Trailblazer
The city of Greenville is enveloped in a deep sense of loss as it mourns the passing of Ruth Ann Butler, a beloved civil rights activist and historian, who left this world on January 15, 2025, coinciding with Martin Luther King Day, at the age of 81. Born on Christmas Day in 1943, Butler’s life was truly one for the history books, marked by her relentless fight for equality and her unwavering dedication to preserving African American history.
A Lasting Legacy of Activism
Throughout her vibrant life, Ruth Ann Butler engaged in numerous non-violent sit-ins and marches that aimed to draw attention to injustices, including those against the legendary Jackie Robinson. Her commitment to civil rights was evident in the way she worked alongside other activists, such as A.J. Jackson, to secure recognition for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Together, they marched from Springfield Baptist Church to the Greenville Downtown Airport, inspiring many to join the cause.
In 1987, Ruth Ann founded the Greenville Cultural Exchange Center, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at preserving the rich tapestry of African American history in Upstate South Carolina. This center will soon transition into what will be known as the South Carolina Empowerment & History Museum, ensuring that her passion for education and history will continue to flourish in the community she fought so hard for.
Remembering a True Community Gem
On January 26, family, friends, and officials gathered for a heartfelt funeral service at Allen Temple African Methodist Episcopal Church. With approximately 250 people in attendance, it was a testament to the profound impact Butler had on her community. Local, state, and even national figures came together to pay their respects. Attendees expressed gratitude for Butler’s life and her dedication to changing the fabric of Greenville.
Butler’s legacy extends far beyond her community initiatives. She dedicated a significant portion of her life to documenting the history of iconic locations such as Sterling High School and the Nicholtown community. She played an instrumental role in various initiatives, notably the Friends of Richland Cemetery and served on the Greenville County and Redevelopment Advisory Board, tirelessly working to give a voice to those who had been marginalized.
A Celebration of Achievements
As her contributions to preserving African American history were recognized, Butler was awarded the South Carolina Historic Preservation Stewardship Award in 2024. Following her passing, she was honored posthumously during a Greenville City Council meeting on January 27, emphasizing her remarkable influence on the community and the fight against racial prejudice.
Butler’s academic journey was equally inspiring; she taught social studies for 18 years, having graduated from Benedict College and continuing her education at Clemson University and Furman University. Her pursuit of knowledge not only contributed to her personal growth but also inspired countless students to embrace their own potential.
The Spirit of Ruth Ann Butler Lives On
The legacy of Ruth Ann Butler is neatly woven into the fabric of Greenville; it is a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations in their fight for equality and justice. As her family mourns, surviving her are her son, two sisters, a brother, and two grandchildren who carry her spirit within them.
As the community reflects on the incredible impact of this remarkable woman, her contributions will forever serve as a beacon of hope, reminding us all of the importance of standing up against injustice and celebrating the rich history of civil rights activism. The heartfelt expressions from community members and officials echo the sentiment that Ruth Ann Butler was indeed a treasure, whose remarkable journey will never be forgotten.
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Additional Resources
- Greenville Online: Condolences to Ruth Ann Butler
- Fox Carolina: Annual Black History Bus Tour
- Greenville Journal: Honoring Ruth Ann Butler
- Ebony: Things to See in Greenville
- Wikipedia: Civil Rights Movement
