GREENVILLE, SC (FOX Carolina) – Dr. Margaree Seawright Crosby, an upstate civil rights pioneer, died Friday. Dr. Crosby was 82 years old.

Crosby was one of eight students, later known as “The Greenville Eight,” who were arrested for protesting segregation in the Greenville library system in 1960. Each of them was charged with disorderly conduct, despite to the fact that they were sitting quietly reading in the public library.

rev. Jesse Jackson was also one of the Greenville Eight. A federal lawsuit resulted from the incident, and the gathering of the Greenville Eight eventually led to the integration of Greenville’s libraries.

Mayor Knox White released the following statement after Crosby’s death:

“Dr. Crosby made history as a young girl and was part of the “Greenville 8” who challenged segregation, then lived a long life of community service. Her legacy of service has helped make Greenville a better place.”

Crosby spent the rest of his life breaking barriers. She was the first black woman to become a full professor at Clemson University. She was the first woman and the first African American to serve on the board of Greenville Memorial Hospital.

The South Carolina Commission on Women awarded Crosby the state’s Women of Achievement Award.

Arrangements for Dr. Crosby will be announced by Beasley Funeral Home.

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