Columbia Honors the Legacy of Former Senator Kay Patterson, a Champion for Civil Rights and Education

Columbia, South Carolina Mourns the Loss of a Trailblazer

The city of Columbia is saying goodbye to one of its most impactful figures, former South Carolina Senator Kay Patterson, who passed away Friday at the age of 93. The South Carolina Democratic Party announced his death with a heartfelt recognition of his contributions, stating that he “left an indelible mark on our state.” Those who knew him describe Patterson as a man who commanded attention with his sharp wit and profound wisdom.

An Extraordinary Journey

Born in 1931 in Darlington County, Kay Patterson was raised by his grandmothers. They recognized his spirited nature early on, advising him against jobs like caddying or shoe shining, fearing he wouldn’t hold his tongue in the racially charged South of the 1940s. Instead, Patterson prioritised his education and later served in the military. Thanks to the GI Bill, he earned a teaching degree at Allen University.

During his college years, Patterson took on a janitorial job at the segregated Statehouse, a place where he and other Black individuals were only allowed to enter while working. Reflecting on this experience, Patterson once recalled, “When I was a janitor, Black people couldn’t go in the Statehouse. And then one day I came back down here as a member of the House and then in ’84, I came back sitting in the Senate as a senator. Now that’s a hell of a long way to come.” His journey truly embodies the triumph of resilience and determination.

A Legacy of Leadership

Patterson’s political career spanned over three decades, starting in 1974 when he was elected to the South Carolina House, followed by his election to the Senate in 1984 after the encouragement of U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn. Clyburn paid tribute to Patterson, labeling him a “trusted leader” and “tireless champion for civil rights.” He said Patterson was known for his strength, wisdom, and a fervent commitment to justice – particularly exemplified by his persistence in calling for the removal of the Confederate flag from the Statehouse.

As the first Black member on the University of South Carolina Board of Trustees since Reconstruction, Patterson represented a historic change in the educational landscape. In both the House and Senate, Patterson actively participated on budget committees and was a vocal advocate for civil rights, public education, and assistance for the underprivileged.

Pushing for Change

Patterson’s advocacy was especially pronounced in his fight against the Confederate flag’s presence at the Statehouse, a campaign he undertook long before it was finally removed in 2000. He confronted the often harsh political landscape, particularly during his final years in office, when he felt his influence wavered as Republicans took control. He openly criticized some newer Republican leaders whom he deemed as “religious hypocrites” who didn’t extend their supposed care for others beyond their own circles.

Words of Wisdom

Even after his time in office, Patterson continued to share his philosophy on respect and honesty. He claimed that it was crucial to respect elders and authority figures but also emphasized the importance of speaking up if something weighed on one’s mind. He shared, “That’s just my hallmark ever since I was a little child. It will get you in trouble now, but you can sleep well at night.”

With his passing, the community reflects on the extraordinary life of a man who always strived to treat everyone with respect while fighting for a better future for South Carolina. His spirit lives on through the countless lives he touched and the progress he fought for, standing as a testament to the power of persistence and the importance of equality.