W.T. "Dub" Massey

All but one members of the Friendship Nine were from Rock Hill. After leaving Friendship Junior College, they joined the military, enrolled in another college or started successful businesses. All believe the "Jail, No Bail" strategy paved the way to an integrated America. Here's a look at each member:

Lives in Rock Hill; works with special needs students for the York school district. Age, 69

Massey was raised on Friedheim Road by his grandparents, who were both ministers. After graduating from Emmett Scott High School in 1960, Massey attended Friendship Junior College and became involved with protests against segregation. Massey later graduated from Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, then was drafted into the Army. After his military service, Massey received a master's degree from Winthrop University, taught school and was a guidance counselor in the York schools. He also was a minister at several churches, and still does pastoring. After retiring from York in 1995, he worked in social work, then returned to York schools in his current capacity.

Question: Why were the "Jail, No Bail" actions of the Friendship Nine important?

"At the time we protested, Rock Hill was a different place. Separated by race. We didn't do what we did for accolades. We did it with humility, in the nonviolent way, to show the injustices of segregation. We proved our point. At great risk to ourselves and our families, we did what we believed was right for the betterment of all people."

This story was originally published January 30, 2011 at 12:00 AM with the headline "W.T. "Dub" Massey."