The Progressive Club was established by Esau Jenkins and Joe Williams of the second World War to help raise the class consciousness of community members on John’s Island. Jenkins was a John’s Island native. He left school in the fourth grade to work on a farm with his father. He also learned Greek to facilitate sales between Greek store owners in Charleston who purchased the produce he and his family grew. He was dedicated to improving conditions for and providing opportunities for members of his community. He also purchased a bus to transport children from the island to the Charleston peninsula, so they could attend the Black public schools there. Later, he purchased additional buses to transport people to work in the city. Travelers participated in political education during their commutes. To prepare them to pass the qualifications to vote they were taught to read the part of the Constitution that was included on the voter registration form. This initiative contributed significantly to the number of registered Black voters in the area.