South Carolina is mourning the loss of one of its most steadfast voices for justice, unity, and faith. The Rev. Joseph Darby Jr., a Columbia native, beloved pastor, and longtime civil rights leader, passed away on Friday, just one day after celebrating his 74th birthday. His passing marks the end of a remarkable era of leadership that spanned nearly five decades and touched countless lives across the state.
Rev. Darby’s son, Jason Darby, confirmed the news, sharing the deep sorrow of a family and community who have long admired the pastor’s unwavering commitment to faith and social progress.
Born and raised in Columbia, Rev. Darby was a proud graduate of Booker T. Washington High School, a product of a community that shaped his early convictions about equality and service. He pursued higher education at South Carolina State University and the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, later earning his bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of South Carolina.
Over the course of his ministry, Rev. Darby held numerous leadership positions within the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. He pastored several congregations in the Columbia area before becoming pastor of Morris Brown AME Church in Charleston, the largest congregation in the AME church’s Seventh Episcopal District. Under his guidance, Morris Brown flourished not only as a place of worship but also as a center for activism, education, and community outreach.
A lifelong advocate for civil rights, Rev. Darby worked tirelessly to address racial inequality, promote social justice, and inspire collective action. He was a respected partner to leaders across South Carolina, including Dot Scott, president of the Charleston Branch of the NAACP, with whom he often collaborated on initiatives to advance equality and opportunity. Whether speaking from the pulpit, organizing community programs, or engaging with lawmakers, his message was consistent: faith without works is incomplete, and justice is a divine calling.
Rev. Darby’s influence extended far beyond church walls. He was a mentor to young leaders, a voice of reason in challenging times, and a bridge-builder in a state with a complex and often painful history. His words were rooted in compassion, his actions guided by conviction, and his vision for South Carolina anchored in the belief that every person deserves dignity and respect.
Friends, colleagues, and community members have begun sharing tributes, remembering him as a man who could command a room with his presence yet always took time to listen. He challenged systems of injustice while encouraging individuals to live with integrity and hope.
Rev. Darby leaves behind a legacy of faith, leadership, and courage — one that will continue to inspire generations. His family, congregation, and countless supporters will carry forward his vision for a South Carolina where unity and justice prevail.
Funeral arrangements will be announced in the coming days, and many are expected to gather to honor a man whose life’s work left an indelible mark on the state and its people.
Rest in peace, Rev. Joseph Darby Jr. Your voice for justice may be silenced, but your legacy will echo in the hearts and actions of all who continue the work you began.
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