The University of South Carolina (USC) community is mourning the loss of James Solomon Jr., a pioneering civil rights leader and one of the three Black students who desegregated the university in 1963. Solomon passed away on November 29, 2024, at the age of 94.
Solomon, along with Henrie Monteith Treadwell and Robert Anderson, made history on September 11, 1963, when they entered USC’s administration building as students, becoming the first Black students to attend the university since the end of the Reconstruction era. This courageous act marked a significant milestone in the fight for civil rights and educational equality in South Carolina.
Born in McDonough, Georgia, in 1930, Solomon graduated from high school at the age of 16 and attended Morris College in Sumter. He later served in the Air Force during the Korean War and returned to earn a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Morris College. In 1960, he received a master’s degree in mathematics from Atlanta University.
While working as a professor at Morris College, Solomon decided to pursue further
education at USC, enrolling in the graduate program in mathematics.
His commitment to education and justice did not end after he finished his studies at USC. Solomon went on to hold several influential positions, including vice president of institutional planning at Morris College, division director at the Commission on Higher Education, and commissioner of the Department of Social Services.
Solomon was also a trailblazer in local politics, becoming the first Black public official elected in Sumter County since Reconstruction when he was elected to the Sumter School District 17 school board. He later served as chairman of Richland School District One and held positions in various civic organizations, including the United Way, the Urban League, and the American Public Welfare Association.
In April 2024, USC honored Solomon and his fellow desegregation pioneers with a 12-foot bronze monument on the historic Horseshoe, depicting the moment they entered the academic building. The monument serves as a lasting tribute to their bravery and dedication to justice.
“James Solomon Jr.’s legacy of bravery and service to the community is an enduring inspiration to us all,” said a USC spokesperson in a statement. “His role in desegregating the Columbia campus, along with Henrie Monteith Treadwell and Robert G. Anderson, is immortalized on our campus as a testament to his personal courage and unwavering commitment to justice. We share our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and everyone who was affected by his life of selfless sacrifice.”
Solomon’s contributions to education, civil rights, and public service have left an indelible mark on South Carolina and beyond. His life’s work continues to inspire future generations to strive for equality and justice.
