Author Elaine Weiss to visit CofC to discuss new book: Spell Freedom: The Underground Schools that Built the Civil Rights Movement
September 23, 2026
The efforts and legacy of local civil rights advocates, including Septima Clark, will be discussed during a special book talk featuring author Elaine Weiss. Weiss will discuss her new book, Spell Freedom: The Underground Schools that Built the Civil Rights Movement.
The event, happening on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026, is hosted by the College of Charleston’s School of Education.
The event will be held at the School of Education Alumni Center at 86 Wentworth Street from 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. It is free and open to the public.
“Elaine Weiss’ book, Spell Freedom, discusses the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement and the impact of individuals who felt strongly about the right of all citizens to vote,” says School of Education Dean Frances Welch. “Charleston’s own Septima Clark is featured in the book, making this history all the more important for our faculty, staff, students and community members to know.”
The author will guide a conversation centered on the underground schools that helped build the Civil Rights Movement. The event features a question and answer session and book signing. The book will be available for purchase at the event.
About The College of Charleston
Founded in 1770, the College of Charleston’s mission is to provide students with a world-class education in the arts and sciences, business and technology, engineering and health sciences. Students have more than 150 majors and minors from which to choose — and they often choose to combine several—and complement their academic courses with overseas study, undergraduate research and internships for a truly customized education.
Nearly 12,000 students choose the college for its unique urban, mid-sized university feel. The College, home to undergraduates from across the country and around the globe, provides a creative and intellectually stimulating environment where students are challenged and guided by a committed and caring faculty of distinguished teacher-scholars. The city of Charleston serves as a living and learning laboratory for student experiences and opportunities for career development. The university bridges the old with the new in a setting that is truly extraordinary — where historic character and forward-looking innovation come together to shape a distinctive and inspiring environment for learning. A College of Charleston education focuses on discovery and personal growth, as well as preparation for life, work, and service to our society.
