Former Senator Strom Thurmond (left) and Essie Mae Washington-Wililams (right) his illegitimate African-American daughter. Washington-Williams was the product of an affair with Thurmond's family's African-American maid Carrie Butler, then 16. Thurmond conducted the longest filibuster ever by a lone senator, in opposition to the Civil Rights Act of 1957, at 24 hours and 18 minutes in length. He never fully renounced his views before his death or acknowledged his daughter.Former Senator Strom Thurmond (left) and Essie Mae Washington-Wililams (right) his illegitimate African-American daughter. Washington-Williams was the product of an affair with Thurmond's family's African-American maid Carrie Butler, then 16. Thurmond conducted the longest filibuster ever by a lone senator, in opposition to the Civil Rights Act of 1957, at 24 hours and 18 minutes in length. He never fully renounced his views before his death or acknowledged his daughter.
Former Senator Strom Thurmond (left) and Essie Mae Washington-Wililams (right) his illegitimate African-American daughter. Washington-Williams was the product of an affair with Thurmond's family's African-American maid Carrie Butler, then 16. Thurmond conducted the longest filibuster ever by a lone senator, in opposition to the Civil Rights Act of 1957, at 24 hours and 18 minutes in length. He never fully renounced his views before his death or acknowledged his daughter.