A Senate RESOLUTION

 

TO HONOR THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF THE REVEREND DR. SIMON P. BOUIE, DISTINGUISHED CLERGYMAN, CIVIL RIGHTS PIONEER, AND COMMUNITY LEADER; TO RECOGNIZE HIS EXTRAORDINARY CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE ADVANCEMENT OF JUSTICE, EQUALITY, AND HUMAN DIGNITY; AND TO EXPRESS PROFOUND SORROW UPON his PASSing.

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Reverend Dr. Simon P. Bouie, on June 15, 2026. He was one of South Carolina's most respected civil rights pioneers, whose life was defined by courage, faith, service, and an unwavering commitment to justice; and

 

Whereas, a native of Columbia, Reverend Dr. Bouie was born in 1939. He attended Booker T. Washington High School and Allen University, and he emerged as a courageous leader in the Civil Rights movement during one of the most consequential periods in our nation's history; and

 

Whereas, in March 1960, Reverend Dr. Bouie participated in a peaceful sit-in protest at an Eckerd's Drugstore lunch counter in downtown Columbia, challenging segregation. His arrest ultimately led to the landmark United States Supreme Court decision in Bouie v. City of Columbia (1964), a case that strengthened constitutional protections of due process and advanced the cause of equal justice under the law; and

 

Whereas, more than six decades later, the State of South Carolina formally cleared Reverend Dr. Bouie's arrest record, acknowledging the injustice suffered by those who courageously challenged segregation and helped move our State and nation toward a more just future; and

 

Whereas, a devout Christian, Reverend Dr. Bouie faithfully served the African Methodist Episcopal Church for more than fifty years and was appointed the youngest pastor of Mother Bethel AME Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Mother Church of African Methodism; and

 

Whereas, throughout his life, Reverend Dr. Bouie remained a steadfast advocate for justice, equality, faith, and community service, touching countless lives through his ministry, leadership, and example; and

 

Whereas, Reverend Dr. Bouie leaves to cherish his memory his sons, Harold (Mika Kakehashi) Bouie Sr. and Erich Bouie; and his three grandchildren, Yu Ota-Bouie, Sasha Bouie, and Harold Bouie Jr. He will be greatly missed.  Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the Senate:

 

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, honor the life and legacy of the Reverend Dr. Simon P. Bouie, distinguished clergyman, civil rights pioneer, and community leader; recognize his extraordinary contributions to the advancement of justice, equality, and human dignity; and express profound sorrow upon his passing.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Reverend Dr. Simon P. Bouie.

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