Compton defines the term "Carolina Man"
By Kerstin Alston
If the term "Carolina Man" ever makes its way into the dictionary, it's a good guess that Dr. Thorne Compton's picture will be next to the entry. Born in Sumter and raised in Columbia, Compton has been witness and part of numerous significant moments in not only University of South Carolina history, but South Carolina history period.
Compton, associate professor, has been teaching at USC for 35 years, but he's actually been affiliated with the school since he was an undergraduate student. As a freshman at USC, Compton bore witness to a historical event in the Civil Rights movement, one that would forever impact both his life and career. On Sept. 11, 1963, USC became integrated; admitting three black students into what had previously been an exclusively white institution.
"The South I grew up in was completely segregated," said Compton of the racial climate in which he grew up in.
Compton says he drew heavy inspiration from Civil Rights champions Martin Luther King Jr. and John F. Kennedy. Compton says it was their message of peace and equality, as well as USC's first steps toward integration, that helped him realize how diverse South Carolina was.
"That was when I first saw how much better the world could be, "he said.
After college Compton spent two years with the Peace Corps, contributing humanitarian efforts in a small town along the northern coast of Jamaica. Compton says he was the first white person ever in this particular town. While in Jamaica, he developed an interest in Afro-Caribbean culture and art. This only served to supplement his already avid interest in theater, which he says he always had. Compton says he first began participating in productions while a student at Dreher High School.
"I got to stand up in front of people and look important," he said.
As a professor, Compton has been USC's resident utility man. He has served as associate director of the Institute for Southern Studies, the chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance, and Associate Dean of the Colleges of Humanities and Social Sciences. Currently he chairs the Art Department.
Seemingly since he first stepped on USC's campus, Compton has been earning the esteem and admiration of colleagues. Professor of Southern Studies Walter Edgar has known Compton since 1965, when he was a graduate student at USC and Compton a senior. Both were a part of a leadership honorary society called Blue Key.
"Thorne Compton is one of the most loyal, honest people I have ever known. I treasure his friendship," said Edgar of his relationship with Compton.
Bobby Gist is responsible for running USC's affirmative action and equal opportunity programs and practices, and says he has known Compton for 16 years.
"Dr. Compton is a man of great intellect and integrity ,and a man who connects with people, without respect to their status in life. He has been a fighter for social justice for many years and he continues to work to improve our University and our State," said Gist of his admiration for Compton.
During USC's bicentennial in 2001, Compton was tasked with coordinating the event, an opportunity he eagerly accepted.
"It was a great opportunity for me to do stuff that was just cool to do," he said.
For Compton, it was important to present USC to all of South Carolina and its residents, regardless of skin tone. That's why he chose to go back to that September day in 1963 and present a video reenactment of the three black students registering for their first classes at USC.
"The life that I've experienced in my time involves a lot of different people," said Compton of his decision to make racial diversity such a strong component of the bicentennial.
In 2009 Compton was the recipient of the Social Justice Award for faculty members. The award honors faculty that creatively challenge and teach about race issues, social justice, and equality.
"That was in many ways the high point of my time. I was in many ways moved, and was not expecting it," said Compton
So what does Compton think of the current racial climate in this country, where we have recently seen the election of the first black president? Compton says seeing Barack Obama take office was one of the greatest moments in his life, and he is encouraged at the overall state of race relations. He points to South Carolina's burgeoning Asian and Hispanic populations. But, Compton believes there's still a whole lot to be done in regards to promoting equality.
"That's just not realistic," he said of those who think race is no longer an issue in America.
Of the rocky racial past of America and the South in particular, Compton echoed the words of Abraham Lincoln.
"We cannot escape history." RCT
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