By Javar Juarez (CUBNSC) Columbia, SC - This week, South Carolina bid farewell to a towering figure whose life embodied civil rights, faith, and family. Yesterday, a community of loved ones gathered at Saint John Baptist Church to honor the extraordinary life of Dr. James L. Solomon, Jr. Among those paying their respects were notable leaders, including Congressman James E. Clyburn, former Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin, Senator Tameika Isaac Devine, and Dr. Bobby Donaldson of the University of South Carolina and President of the Urban League Mr. J.T. McLawhorn
Dr. Solomon, whose funeral was handled with care by Leevy’s Funeral Home, was not only a trailblazer in the civil rights movement but also a committed educator, devoted family man, and servant of his community. Born on August 24, 1930, in McDonough, Georgia, to Reverend James L. Solomon, Sr., and Tessie Wyatt Solomon, he forged a path of excellence and broke barriers throughout his 94 years of life.
Dr. James L. Solomon, Jr. A Life of Academic and Professional Excellence
Dr. Solomon’s journey began with early academic achievement, graduating from Booker T. Washington High School in Atlanta at the age of 16. He pursued higher education at Morris Brown College before being drafted into the United States Air Force during the Korean War. While stationed at Shaw Air Force Base in Sumter, South Carolina, he met his lifelong partner, Helen Marion Kennedy, whom he married on July 4, 1954.
Dr. Solomon earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Morris College and a master’s degree in Mathematics from Atlanta University. He went on to become a faculty member and administrator at Morris College, eventually serving as vice president of institutional planning and research. His pioneering spirit was evident as one of the first African Americans to desegregate the University of South Carolina, becoming its first African American graduate student since Reconstruction.
A Legacy of Leadership and Service
Dr. Solomon’s career spanned academia, government, and community service. He held positions such as Commissioner of the South Carolina Department of Social Services and served on school boards for Sumter School District 17 and Richland School District One. A two-time recipient of the Order of the Palmetto, the state’s highest civilian honor, Dr. Solomon’s contributions extended to numerous boards and organizations, including the Columbia Urban League, United Way of the Midlands, and the South Carolina Commission on the Future.
Faith and Family: The Cornerstones of His Life
A devoted member of Saint John Baptist Church, Dr. Solomon’s faith guided his actions and service. He and Helen celebrated 70 years of marriage, a union that produced four children and a lineage of grandchildren and great-grandchildren who continue to carry his legacy forward.
Dr. Solomon was predeceased by his son Benton, daughter Cynthia, and son Tony, along with several grandchildren and siblings. Yet, his life remains a testament to resilience, determination, and a deep commitment to others.
A Life Worth Celebrating
The Governor of South Carolina Henry D. McMaster sent a picture with a letter that was presented to the family of Dr. James L. Solomon, Jr. by Saint John Deacon Benjamin Duncan II. The picture had been hanging in the governor's office. Governor McMaster wrote on his stationery, “To the Family of James L. Solomon, Jr. To the family of James L Solomon Jr. With the deepest respect and appreciation from the people of South Carolina.”
Dr. James L. Solomon, Jr.’s remarkable contributions to education, civil rights, and community uplift,- leave an indelible mark on South Carolina and beyond. His life was a beacon of light for those seeking justice, equality, and opportunity.
While the loss of Dr. James L. Solomon, Jr. marks the end of an era, his legacy of service, leadership, and love will continue to inspire generations to come.
Comments