The Blinding of Sgt. Isaac Woodard

Isaac Woodard, an African American soldier looking forward to seeing his wife, was still in his uniform on his way home from war in February of 1946. After a dispute with the bus driver, he was removed from the bus in Batesburg, SC. The local law officer beat him and permanently blinded him. The attack and subsequent outrage galvanized the civil rights movement on a national scene, and quickened legislation to secure civil rights for African Americans.

 Maybe you had no idea of this significant, historic event that happened so close to Camp Kinard… Maybe you are very familiar with this powerful story told to you by your parents or grandparents… Maybe you would be interested in learning how Orson Wells, Woody Guthrie, and Harry Truman all connect to this powerful narrative… Maybe you noticed the historical marker placed in 2019 in Batesburg and wondered what happened… Maybe the legacy of such injustices concerns you and you want to learn more… 

This one day retreat is for you!

 We gather to learn about the tragic circumstances that led to the blinding of WWII veteran Sgt. Isaac Woodard. We will discuss the courtroom proceedings that led to emerging national legislation. We will hear about the personal plight of Judge J. Waties Waring.  We will walk a trail around Camp Kinard and will contemplate together the simultaneous legacy of justice and injustice in this country. As people of faith, we will also reflect how this impacts us as followers of Jesus.

9:30am – Welcome, introductions, learning about that fateful day in February of 1946.

10:45am – Walking the Jesus Way – A 1.5 mile loop around the camp with devotions and discussion questions at stations along the way. Wear comfortable walking shoes and be dressed to walk outdoors on some gentle hills on a natural trail. A golf cart can be provided for those who think they might require it. Please indicate as such on your registration form. We don’t want this to be a stumbling block for anyone’s participation.

Click here to view the digital devotion.

12:15pm – Viewing the historical marker and lunch in downtown Batesburg.

2:30pm – Depart for home from Batesburg, or extend your stay by booking a room overnight for quiet contemplation, rest and relaxation.