Who was Strom Thurmond?

Strom Thurmond was a South Carolina senator who gained national prominence for his staunch opposition to desegregation and civil rights reforms during the mid-20th century. His political career began in the late 1930s, and he served as a Senator from 1954 to 2003, which makes him one of the longest-serving members of Congress in American history. Thurmond is particularly known for his 1957 filibuster against the Civil Rights Act, demonstrating his deep commitment to upholding segregationist policies at a time when the United States was grappling with significant changes regarding civil rights.

His legacy is complicated; while he was a fervent advocate for Southern states' rights and a champion of white supremacy, he also later softened some of his views, particularly as the political landscape shifted. However, his initial role as a staunch opponent to desegregation is what defines his political identity and significance in the history of American politics.