Bobby Eaddy, one of the survivors of the February 8. 1968 Orangeburg Massacre, was just 17 years old when he was shot by state troopers at a 1968 Civil Rights protest. On the evening of February 8, 1968, around 200 protestors (including Eaddy, who was a freshman at the time) gathered on the campus of South Carolina State University to protest the continued segregation of the local bowling alley. That night, South Carolina Highway Patrol officers fired bullets into the crowd, injuring 27 people and killing three boys (two SCSU students and one high school student). While he survived, for the rest of his life, Eaddy carried a bullet lodged close to his heart from that day, as doctors could not safely remove it.
After his passing in 2022 at the age of 72, South Carolina State University posthumously awarded Eaddy a bachelor's degree and the SC State Social Justice Award. Eaddy played football at South Carolina State University then went on to serve eight years in the U.S. Army, spending part of that in the Vietnam war. Eaddy dedicated his life to raising awareness about the Orangeburg Massacre. He and his family founded the Orangeburg Project to honor its victims.
In an official statement from the Eaddy Family: “There is a profound responsibility to honor the historic sacrifices made during the Orangeburg Massacre. On February 8, we remember Samuel Hammond, Henry Smith, and Delano Middleton, who were tragically lost, as well as the approximately 30 students who were wounded by gunfire alongside Bobby Eaddy. Today, he is remembered as a loving husband and father, devoted to both family and faith. We also recognize the emotional trauma endured by the South Carolina State University community, are grateful to the International African American Museum, and appreciate all who advocate for civility and justice worldwide.”
The bullet, posthumously removed, is on loan to the International African American Museum (IAAM) from the Eaddy family, preserving his legacy of courage and commitment to racial justice.
“IAAM is deeply honored to share the poignant story of community activist and Orangeburg Massacre survivor Bobby Eaddy,” said Martina Morale, IAAM’s Director of Curatorial and Special Exhibitions. “By telling his story, we aim to honor his legacy and the legacy of all the victims of the Massacre.”
The bullet can be viewed in the South Carolina Connections gallery along with other details of the Orangeburg Massacre.
