A concurrent RESOLUTION

 

TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF Kevin Alexander Gray OF richland COUNTY AND TO EXTEND THEIR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS LARGE AND LOVING FAMILY AND HIS MANY FRIENDS.

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina General Assembly were saddened to learn of the death of Kevin Alexander Gray at the age of sixty-five on March 7, 2023; and

 

Whereas, born in Boston, Massachusetts, on July 1, 1957, he grew up in Spartanburg and was one of five children reared in the atmosphere of the family owned Gray's Groceries, a small grocery store.  He graduated from Paul M. Dorman High School and earned a bachelor's degree from Wofford College; and

 

Whereas, a longtime civil rights activist in South Carolina, Mr. Gray served on the American Civil Liberties Union's national board and was the South Carolina coordinator for Reverend Jesse Jackson's presidential campaign in the 1980s.  He was involved in community organizing for a variety of issues ranging from racial politics, police violence, third-world politics and relations, union organizing and workers' rights, grassroots political campaigns, marches, and political events; and

 

Whereas, a writer and editor for African-American newspapers across the State, Mr. Gray was the author of Waiting for Lightning to Strike: The Fundamentals of Black Politics in 2008, and in 2014, he edited Killing Trayvons: An Anthology of Violence, after the death of black teenager Trayvon Martin in 2012.  He was an editor of Black News, a longtime weekly newspaper in Columbia; and

 

Whereas, in March 2020, just days before the COVID-19 pandemic closed many eateries, Mr. Gray opened Railroad BBQ on Hampton Street in Columbia.  As the co-owner, he renovated the building and decorated the walls of the restaurant himself, filling it with hundreds of photographs, political posters, stickers, and other historical memorabilia; and

 

Whereas, when the restaurant eventually reopened, it drew attention for its classic Southern barbecue favorites of pulled pork and a variety of Southern sides; and

 

Whereas, surviving is his beloved wife, Sandra N. Gray, along with two fine children, Brian Gray and Camille Gray Felder.  He was blessed with the affection of eight loving grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; and

 

Whereas, the South Carolina General Assembly is grateful for the life and legacy of Kevin Gray and for his energetic and outspoken engagement in the public arena.  Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

 

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the passing of Kevin Alexander Gray of Richland County and extend their deepest sympathy to his large and loving family and his many friends.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Kevin Alexander Gray.

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