Harvesting the Land and Cultivating the Future:

How Moving Star Hall and The Progressive Club Persisted During The 1900s in the South

Indira Lessington

June 7, 2023

In the 1900s, the rise of white supremacy and everything in between, something else threatened Johns Island's development. This threatened the land, those caring for it, and the memory of these historic buildings. The heightened tension between Black and White soldiers trickled down to the Sea Islands, which sparked the change in protection and representation that harvested the land and cultivated the future.

This photo is from the "Moving Star Hall folder" at Avery Research Center for African-American Culture. The caption of this photo was "The Old Fellows Hall, Johns Island." Which was located along the corridor of Moving Star and other praise houses on Johns Island.

Mr. Esau Jenkins in Moving Star Hall. This photo also comes from the Johns Island collection at Avery.

Blascoe, Myrtle, E., “Johns Island Culture Collection.” Photograph. Charleston: The Avery Research Center for African-American History and Culture, 1964. Archives of The Avery Research Center for African-American History and Culture. Pictured "Moving Star Hall."

This billboard, photographed by Robert Yellin, contributed to the misconception that Blacks didn't have a sense of organization. Billboards, as such, were posted throughout the South.

The era of the early 1900s was categorized as the "nadir of race relations," and a record number of riots broke out all over the United States. African-American men returning from the war were not welcome as others.

Post WWI: The World Is Not Yours

Armed National Guards and African American men standing on a sidewalk during the race riots in Chicago, Illinois, 1919. *Jun Fujita/Courtesy of the Chicago History Museum*

South Carolina became a hotbed, which meant the implementation of resistance, and individuals of the Black race started to react, which led to the formation of two prominent organizations on Johns Island.

The idea of Black agency created a space for those seeking it for generations. The Progressive Club and The Moving Star Hall are relics that show the bravery of these individuals, and every single last one of them harvested the land and cultivated it for future generations.

During the 1900s, the hierarchy remained the same, but Blacks, especially those on Johns Island, remained faithful to tradition despite what was coming. The background of society slowly morphs into something they have never seen before; the hard work and legacy left will never be duplicated. In the 1900s, the struggle for Blacks had not only become a dream deferred, but the scenery changed before the Islanders' eyes.

This 1919 topographic map shows the land mass between The Progressive Club (first circle) and to the far right Moving Star Hall. Slide over, this 1943 map shows more land mass and roads added along River Road.

Carawan, Guy, and Candie Carawan. 1994. *Ain’t You Got a Right to the Tree of Life?* University of Georgia Press.

During this era, numerous lynchings took place throughout the United States, and in retaliation, Blacks knew that it was time to join in masses for the cause. One of the most notable cases was of a postman named Frazier Baker. Soon a similar incident would happen on Johns Island, sparking protection, unity, and solidarity among John Islanders. Esau Jenkins saw a path for the Island that is still alive and well through their descendants and the richness of the Sea Islands.

Capturing the essence of the land before the development of the area is sacred to remember.

The Essence of the Island

The Moving Star Hall Singers (including Ruth Bligen, Janie Hunter, Bertha Smith, Mary Pinckney, Benjy Bligen, and others unidentified - including the lead) sing "You Must Have That Pure Religion." Shot by Alan Lomax and crew at Moving Star Hall, Johns Island, South Carolina, August 1983. The lead singer is Mr. Eli Smith.

The Moving Star Hall Singers are captured in this video. I decided to include this because the "Lowcountry sound" is felt no matter what part of the Lowcountry one may come from. Culture, tradition, and remembrance is something that cannot be ignored. Now the Manna Life Center, Pastor Kay is carrying the torch of those before her.

The Moving Star Hall Singers channeled ancestry practiced in terms of spirituality, from the claps to the presence of no instruments, because that is what the body is used for. This experience is captured in the video, but personally, the essence of the island is an in-person experience that I cannot put into words.

Blascoe, Myrtle, E. “Johns Island Culture Collection.” Photograph. Charleston: The Avery Research Center for African-American History and Culture, 1964. Archives of The Avery Research Center for African-American History and Culture.

The Resilience of the Islanders

The Progressive Club captured the essence of the Islanders' resilience while participants flourished in and out. Founded in 1948 by Mr. Esau Jenkins, he and Mr. Joe Williams had a vision and executed it. The 1940s ushered in a new sense of self for Blacks, including those on Johns Island.

The Progressive Club served as many amenities for the community in the eyes of adversities. What remains on The Progressive Club's landscape is the building's outer structure, which has stood the test of time, most memorable Hurricane Hugo of 1989.

"Community developer," "educator," "self-made businessman," and "veteran civil rights worker." The media's portrayal barely scratched the surface of Mr. Esau's work on the Island and throughout the Lowcountry. In the case of the death of a Black man due to a dog, this not only sparked Joe Williams and Esau Jenkins but all Islanders. The tension going into th 1940s-1960s tightened its grip.

Over time The Progressive Club became a citizenship school that transformed the techniques and tools of the trade relating to the civil rights movement. The vision, alongside the resilience of Black folks of the Lowcountry, put Johns Island on the map for civil rights training and a place for solace and peace. Overdevelopment is now threatening the land, and those like Mr. Fields, Mrs. Fields, Ms. Butler, and Ms. Robinson continue to harvest their land in the eyes of adversities.

Courtesy of Courtney Price, 2014. The Progressive Club structure remains.

Carawan, Guy, and Candie Carawan. 1994. *Ain’t You Got a Right to the Tree of Life?* University of Georgia Press. Pictured Ms. Alice Wine.

John's Island Legacy of Preserving the Future

Pictured above (L TO R), Mr. Timothy Allen of Tasty Treats located in CIA (Charleston International Airport). Dr. Tamara Butler alongside her mother Ms. Nancy Butler, and Ms. Joesphine Robinson. All Native John Islanders seeking a difference.

Like most areas of the South, it is being threatened by development, and while so, the culture is drifting away. The vision that Mr. Jenkins and others had during such a turbulent time shows the preservation of a legacy of individuals who have already paved the way.

Community members, alongside those specializing in preservation, are at the forefront of preserving the legacy of the Island. The stories are more prominent than those that are not photographed. The story's beginning has been written. Now it is our turn to finish writing this anthology of the richness of a people whose resilience, tenacity, and hard work changed the narrative of Blacks throughout the Lowcountry.

The following photos were taken during the Field School. Courtesy is given to Raven Greene, who took some pictures.

Ms. Joesphine Robinson showing her family lineage.

Mr. Ernest making his way through Mr. Field's Farm & Market located on River Road, Johns Island, South Carolina.

This is located in Downtown Charleston on America Street. I took this photo because as this field school ends, this quote captivated the experience of Blacks and the continuation of ongoing remembrance and recognition.

Johns Island, or "The Island," is more than what appears to the eye. Like ashes arising like a phoenix, the community is more vital than ever while fighting the odds being thrown by society. Like those before them, harvesting the land and cultivating the culture took generations. Keeping the spirit alive is not only up to those of my generation, but the storytelling aspect will preserve the Sea Islands and the Gullah/Geechee culture.