Columbia Mourns the Loss of Civil Rights Leader Lonnie Randolph
Columbia, South Carolina, is in mourning after the passing of Lonnie Randolph, a revered civil rights leader and longtime president of the NAACP state chapter, who tirelessly advocated for social justice and equality. He passed away after a lingering illness, as shared by friends who knew him well.
Early Life and Education
Raised in Columbia, Randolph’s journey into activism began early. He was among the first Black students to integrate Dreher High School in the mid-1960s. Living in a segregated society where racial injustices were common, he was motivated by the inequalities he saw around him. For much of his life, he carried the weight of those experiences, including his discomfort with the main branch of the Richland County Public Library on Assembly Street. The memories of being denied entry to Columbia’s whites-only libraries haunted him, as he once expressed to a state newspaper reporter.
A Passion for Justice
Randolph was known for his passionate and unfiltered discussions about racism, and he didn’t shy away from confronting tough issues. Columbia attorney I.S. Leevy-Johnson remembers him as a visionary who was “not fearful of anything.” J.T. McLawhorn Jr., the president and CEO of the Columbia Urban League, spoke highly of Randolph’s insight into racism, whether overt or subtle. He recalled, “Lonnie did not stand in the back; he got to the front of the line. He was a leader.”
Fighting the Confederate Flag
For years, Randolph fought against the display of the Confederate flag both inside and atop the South Carolina State House. He viewed these flags as symbolic reminders of a slave-holding society and later, the segregated Jim Crow era. His steadfast opposition was part of a broader civil rights campaign that sought to address the long-lasting impacts of racism. Randolph’s perspectives were often met with resistance from pro-flag advocates who insisted the flag represented Southern heritage rather than hate.
A Controversial Flag’s History
The Confederate flag was first raised atop the State House in 1961, just as Randolph was navigating the challenges of integration in public schools. The decision was seen at the time as a direct challenge to civil rights activists and a symbol of ongoing defiance. Despite many protests and calls for change, the flag continued to stir fierce debates across the state.
In 2000, after years of protests, including a massive demonstration that drew over 50,000 people, lawmakers agreed to a compromise. Though the flag was removed from the dome and relocated to a 30-foot flagpole on the grounds, Randolph viewed this as insufficient. “The flying of the Confederate flag sends the wrong message,” he declared in 2010. “This was to promote slavery.”
The Shift in Public Sentiment
Tragedy struck in 2015 when white supremacist Dylann Roof took the lives of nine African Americans in Charleston. This horrific act pushed many to reevaluate the flag’s symbolism, and the legislature ultimately voted to move the flag to a museum. Randolph was in the forefront of the movement leading up to the flag’s finally being taken down.
Beyond Activism: A Lifelong Commitment
Outside of his civil rights work, Randolph was an accomplished optometrist in Columbia, dedicating efforts to provide eye care for those within the South Carolina Department of Corrections and the juvenile justice system. He received his undergraduate degree from Benedict College and later earned his Doctor of Optometry.
A Lasting Impact and Friendship
Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott reflected on their long-standing friendship, which began over 40 years ago on the softball field. “People were always surprised that a Southern sheriff and a Black civil rights leader could be good friends,” he said, highlighting the bond they shared as they worked together to address community issues.
Former Columbia Mayor Bob Coble attested, “Lonnie was a tireless advocate for justice and fairness. He made a lasting impact on our community.” His friends and associates remember him not only for his undeniable leadership but also for his commitment to dialogue and understanding in addressing racial issues.
Final Thoughts
As Columbia reflects on Randolph’s contributions and the path he paved for future generations, he will be remembered as a true champion for equality and justice. While his funeral plans are still in the works, many are already mourning the loss of this civil rights icon who inspired countless individuals to join the fight for justice.
