Rev. I. D. Newman: Clergyman, Civil Rights Leader, Political Pioneer
By Stephan Drew, Editor
The Reverend Isaiah DeQuincey Newman, a trailblazing clergyman and civil rights leader, played a pivotal role in shaping South Carolina’s path toward racial equality and social progress. Born in Darlington County on April 17, 1911, Newman’s journey from the pulpit to the political arena was marked by a lifelong commitment to justice and equality.
Newman, the son of Reverend Melton C. Newman and Charlotte Elizabeth Morris, was educated in Williamsburg County’s public schools before attending Claflin College. He was ordained in the United Methodist Church (UMC) in 1931 and later pursued higher education at Clark College in Atlanta, earning a bachelor of arts degree in 1934. His theological training culminated with a divinity degree from Gammon Theological Seminary in 1937. That same year, he married Anne Pauline Hinton, and together they raised their daughter, Emily Morris DeQuincey.
For four decades, Newman’s influence extended across UMC congregations in Georgia and South Carolina. His leadership within the UMC’s South Carolina Conference and its General Conference helped shape the church’s evolving stance on racial integration. During the 1970s, his role on the UMC Merger Committee was instrumental in ending segregated congregations, a historic step toward inclusivity in religious life.
From the earliest days of his ministry, Newman viewed the fight for racial justice as a spiritual, social, and political calling. His sermons seamlessly wove together moral conviction and practical advocacy, making him a revered voice in the civil rights movement. National civil rights leader Vernon Jordan once remarked that Newman’s prayers had a direct line to God, a testament to the power and sincerity of his message.
In 1943, Newman took an active role in the civil rights struggle by helping to establish the Orangeburg branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). His dedication to the movement intensified when he became South Carolina’s NAACP field director from 1960 to 1969, a critical period in the state’s desegregation efforts. A firm believer in nonviolent resistance, Newman’s diplomatic approach earned him the trust of both African American activists and white political and economic leaders. His ability to serve as both a strategist for protest actions and a negotiator in policy discussions played a crucial role in South Carolina’s relatively peaceful transition away from legalized segregation.
Beyond civil rights activism, Newman was an influential figure in South Carolina’s evolving political landscape. Initially aligned with the Republican Party, he later joined the Democratic Party in 1958, recognizing it as a more viable platform for African American participation. His political acumen and leadership positioned him as a trusted advisor to prominent figures such as U.S. Senator Ernest Hollings and Governors Robert McNair and John West. As a delegate to multiple Democratic national conventions, he ensured that the voices of marginalized communities were heard at the highest levels of government.
Newman’s commitment to social justice extended beyond politics and the church. He championed initiatives to improve housing, healthcare, environmental protections, vocational education, and social services in rural South Carolina. In recognition of his tireless advocacy, the National Institute on Social Work in Rural Areas named him “Rural Citizen of the Year” in 1982. His legacy was further honored with multiple honorary degrees and the establishment of an endowed professorship in social work at the University of South Carolina.
Newman’s historic election to the South Carolina Senate on October 25, 1983, made him the first African American to serve in the chamber since 1887. His warm reception by colleagues underscored the profound impact he had on the state’s progress. Serving on multiple senate committees, he continued his mission of fostering equality until ill health led to his resignation on July 31, 1985.
Reverend I.D. Newman passed away on October 21, 1985, in Columbia, South Carolina. He was laid to rest at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, leaving behind a legacy of faith-driven activism, political transformation, and unwavering dedication to justice. His life’s work remains a testament to the power of perseverance and the enduring fight for civil rights in America.
