‘At Last I Feel Completely Free’: Mixed-Race Daughter of the Late Strom Thurmond Steps Into Spotlight
by Darryl Fears
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, December 18, 2003; Page A02
COLUMBIA, S.C., Dec. 17 — Essie Mae Washington-Williams walked alone into the spotlight at the downtown Adam’s Mark Hotel, limping without her gray metal cane, and gave voice to the secret she had kept for more than half a century out of respect for her father, his political career and his family.
“My father’s name is James Strom Thurmond,” Williams said, her amplified voice cracking and tears flooding her eyes. “I am Essie Mae Washington-Williams, and at last I feel completely free.”