Columbia Mourns Loss of Civil Rights Leader Lonnie Randolph

Columbia Bids Farewell to a Civil Rights Pioneer

Columbia, South Carolina is mourning the loss of Lonnie Randolph, a dedicated civil rights leader and former president of the NAACP in South Carolina, who passed away after a long illness. Known for his tenacity and spirit, Randolph’s impact on the community will be felt for years to come.

A Journey Rooted in Racial Injustice

Raised in Columbia, Randolph was among the first African American students to integrate Dreher High School in the mid-1960s. Growing up during a time of deep segregation left a lasting mark on him. He often spoke about the daily indignities he faced, such as being denied access to the main branch of the Richland County Public Library, a stark reminder of the racial barriers that existed at the time. For Randolph, the library represented a painful chapter in history when African Americans were forced to use a shabby facility miles away.

A Voice for Justice

Randolph was known for his passionate rhetoric on racism and his unwavering commitment to civil rights. Friends like I.S. Leevy-Johnson, an early African American legislator, described him as a visionary who was unafraid to confront challenges head-on. J.T. McLawhorn Jr., president of the Columbia Urban League, echoed this sentiment by stating, “He didn’t stand in the back; he got to the front of the line.” His ability to cut through conversations about race with honesty and directness made him a respected figure in both the African American community and beyond.

The Fight Against the Confederate Flag

For years, Randolph was at the forefront of the movement against the Confederate flag displayed at the South Carolina State House. To him, the flag represented not just a piece of cloth but an emblematic reminder of a past where Black citizens were treated as second-class. He voiced opposition, noting that such symbols were akin to perpetuating the segregated, oppressive society he fought so tirelessly to dismantle. It was during the 1990s and early 2000s that his activism took on a new urgency, culminating in a massive protest where over 50,000 people gathered at the State House.

After much debate and a changing political climate, lawmakers finally decided to move the flag to a more subdued location after a profound tragedy in 2015, when a mass shooting linked to white supremacist beliefs prompted widespread reevaluation of the flag’s place in public spaces. Randolph’s leadership and those of others made a significant influence on these developments.

A Life Dedicated to Service

Beyond his civil rights activism, Randolph was a well-respected optometrist, having earned his Doctor of Optometry from the Southern College of Optometry. He dedicated years of his life providing healthcare to inmates and youngsters in the juvenile justice system, reflecting a broader commitment to service and community well-being. His educational journey started at Benedict College, where he obtained his undergraduate degree in biology, framing a career dedicated to helping others.

A Legacy of Friendship and Leadership

Former sheriff Leon Lott shared a touching recollection of their long-standing friendship, despite the barriers that existed between them. “People were always surprised that a Southern sheriff and a Black civil rights leader could be good friends,” he said, reflecting on the mutual respect both men had for one another. Bob Coble, former mayor of Columbia, noted that Randolph was a relentless advocate for justice, making a lasting impact on the community during his two decades in office.

Looking Back on Lonnie’s Life

Lonnie Randolph was more than just a civil rights icon; he was a leader who inspired many to join in the fight for equality and justice. Friends remember him as someone who never shied away from difficult conversations and firmly believed in resolving conflict through discourse rather than aggression. His legacy as a champion for civil rights and an unwavering voice against discrimination will surely continue to resonate within the hearts and minds of those he inspired.

The community is now left to reflect on his many contributions and the path he paved for future generations. As funeral arrangements are being made, many hope to celebrate his remarkable life and enduring legacy.