Thurmond Kin Acknowledge Black Daughter
December 16, 2003
By MICHAEL JANOFSKY
WASHINGTON, Dec. 15 – The family of the late Senator Strom Thurmond of South Carolina acknowledged on Monday that Essie Mae Washington-Williams, a retired teacher living in Los Angeles is the daughter of Mr. Thurmond and a black woman who worked for his family as a maid nearly 80 years ago.
“As J. Strom Thurmond has passed away and cannot speak for himself, the Thurmond family acknowledges Ms. Essie Mae Washington-Williams’ claim to her heritage,” a family lawyer, J. Mark Taylor, said in a brief written statement. “We hope this acknowledgment will bring closure for Ms.
Williams.”