Viola Pearson, 93, and her stepson Ferdinand, 81, on Wednesday will accept the Congressional Gold Medal — the highest civilian award bestowed by the president and Congress — on behalf of the late Levi Pearson.

Levi Pearson, who died in 1970, was Viola Pearson’s husband, Ferdinand Pearson’s father, and a Clarendon County farmer who — along with three other South Carolinians — spearheaded Briggs v. Elliott.

The case was the nation’s first lawsuit challenging segregation in public schools. With four similar cases, Briggs v. Elliott went to the Supreme Court as Brown v. Board of Education and resulted in the landmark 1954 decision dismantling segregation in public schools across the nation.

The families of the late Rev. Joseph DeLaine and the late Harry and Eliza Briggs will accept three other gold medals at the ceremony under the Capitol dome.

The State newspaper spoke with the Pearsons, who still live in Clarendon County, as they prepared to travel to Washington. Here are some excerpts:

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Question: What would Levi Pearson say if he could be in Washington to accept the medal?

Ferdinand Pearson: Thank you. Thank you. Living my life was not in vain.

Viola Pearson: He would know that America appreciates what he did.

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Question: Do most people in South Carolina understand the importance of Briggs v. Elliott?

Ferdinand Pearson: Far too many do not. It really wasn’t explained to them. I feel the medal ceremony will help remedy that. And the 50th anniversary ceremonies (to mark the May 17, 1954, Brown decision) helped to remedy that. It got quite a bit of attention.

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Question: How much progress on racial equality has been made since Briggs v. Elliott was filed?

Ferdinand Pearson: It’s disappointing, but it’s better. It could be a whole lot better considering the sacrifice that was made. You still have to change some people’s hearts. But we still have a long way to go until we all accept each other as brothers.

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Question: What does this medal mean to you?

Viola Pearson: It’s like a dream. I can’t believe it’s really happening.

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Question: What are you going to do with the medal?

Viola Pearson: I want to get a special case for it. I’m going to take very good care of it.

Ferdinand Pearson: We’re going to first put it in a safe-deposit box, and then the family will discuss long-term plans.

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Question: Levi Pearson had 15 children. How many will be at the ceremony?

Ferdinand Pearson: Of the 15 siblings, we have five deceased. Nine plan to be there and lots of other relatives. It’s amazing how many are coming.

— Lauren Markoe