Clemson University awarded posthumous degrees to two extraordinary educators and leaders, Rev. Joseph A. De Laine, Sr. and Mattie Belton De Laine, during commencement on Friday, August 9. The University conferred both doctoral degrees in education in recognition of eminent achievement and high distinction in public service to improve the lives of people around the world.
Clemson University President Jim Clements
The De Laines’ lifelong work is the definition of what a Clemson Tiger strives for. Their pursuits were meaningful, their efforts were impactful and their determined spirits guided this incredible couple to do outstanding work that continues to have a significant impact in South Carolina and across our entire country.
About the Rev. De Laine and Mattie Belton De Laine
The Rev. De Laine and Mattie are known for blazing the trail that resulted in the desegregation of public schools across America.
Rev. De Laine was born on July 2, 1898, near Manning, South Carolina. He earned a bachelor’s degree to teach and a bachelor’s degree to become an ordained minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, both from Allen University.
Mattie was born on December 1, 1907, in Smallwood, South Carolina. She attended Benedict College where she earned her bachelor’s degree and advanced teaching certificate after many years of studying. Mattie began her job teaching as the only teacher in a one-teacher school in Longtown, South Carolina. She taught all seven grades attended by nearly 100 students; about half were present on any given day.
Rev. De Laine was working as a principal of the Jamison School in Orangeburg County when he met Mattie at a church conference. Mattie accepted an open teaching position at the Jamison School, and she and Rev. De Laine were married in 1931.
A minister and a schoolteacher who were both extraordinary educators and leaders, the De Laines believed in the transformational power of education – and not just the power of education for an individual, but for an entire community and an entire country. Because of their tireless efforts to ensure all students had access to a high-quality education, they brought the seminal case Briggs v. Elliott within the set of cases collectively known as Brown v. Board of Education, which ended racial segregation.
They withstood hate crimes, assaults and attempts on their lives, but they persevered in fighting for equality because they believed in a better world.
As a result of the De Laines’ determination, their sacrifice, leadership, love and faith, they were instrumental in helping to bring forward the seminal Briggs v. Elliot case that transformed education in America.
Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Robert H. Jones
Rev. De Laine passed away in 1974 and Mattie passed away in 1999, but their legacy continues to live on. In 2003, Rev. De Laine was posthumously awarded a Congressional Gold Medal of Honor in recognition of his transformative service leadership.
Joseph A. De Laine, Jr., and Ophelia De Laine Gona, the surviving children of Rev. and Mattie De Laine, wrote a letter to commemorate the occasion that Provost Jones read during the ceremony. Included below is a portion of the letter.
“We are inspired by Clemson University’s recognition of our late parents and their unique contribution to the field of education. By formally recognizing and honoring the outstanding contribution of Mattie Belton De Laine and Joseph Armstrong De Laine to education, you—the trustees and administration—have elevated Clemson University in the eyes of the world. We compliment and congratulate you on this major tribute.”
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