COLUMBIA, S.C. — Remembering Dr. Lonnie Randolph Jr.
On a bittersweet Sunday, friends and colleagues gathered in Columbia, South Carolina, to remember the life and legacy of Dr. Lonnie Randolph Jr., who passed away just a day earlier. Many who came to honor him described him as a towering figure in the fight for civil rights within the state.
A Pillar of the Community
Those who knew Dr. Randolph echoed a sentiment that he was synonymous with the NAACP, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, particularly in South Carolina. Sarah Redden, one of his long-time colleagues and secretary, expressed how integral he was to the organization. “When you talked about, or when I thought about NAACP, the first person was Dr. Randolph,” she shared fondly. “He was the NAACP.”
Dr. Randolph’s journey began at Benedict College, where he studied biology. Redden recalled their time as classmates, joyfully reminiscing about how they each embarked on separate paths before reconnecting at the South Carolina State Conference. “I felt lucky to have experienced that time with him,” she said, reflecting on their shared history over the past two decades.
A Legacy of Leadership
Dr. Randolph dedicated two decades to leading the Columbia Chapter of the NAACP before taking on the role of president of the state conference in 2003. He served in that capacity for an impressive 14 years. Redden remarked, “When your passion is something that God has given you, you do that. You don’t want recognition; you just go out and do it with the love that is in your heart.”
This love drove Dr. Randolph to take action on vital issues, most notably his significant participation in a campaign to remove the Confederate flag from the grounds of the South Carolina State House. It was a pivotal moment in history, highlighting his commitment to justice and equality.
Uniting Voices for Change
Another hallmark event that Dr. Randolph influenced was the annual King Day at the Dome march in Columbia, which honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Colleagues who rallied around him expressed that his work and determination set an example for everyone. As Redden passionately stated, “If we had more people to emulate him, this would be a better world. This would truly be a better world.”
In Loving Memory
Dr. Randolph is survived by his wife, Patricia Randolph, who shared her heartfelt sentiments about her late husband. She portrayed him as a “staunch advocate for trying to keep equality and justice right for everyone,” emphasizing his tireless efforts in the name of fairness and community service.
The gathering to commemorate Dr. Randolph showcased not only the profound impact he had on those around him, but also the profound love and respect that his community holds for the legacy he leaves behind. As Columbia reflects on his contributions, many are inspired to continue his work, aspiring to make the world a better place in his memory.
In the weeks and months to come, various tributes and reflections will surely be shared, as Dr. Randolph’s story is one of bravery, love, and unwavering commitment. Though he may no longer be with us in body, his spirit lives on in the values he championed and the countless lives he touched throughout his dedicated journey.
