Civil rights activist Julian Bond has passed away. He was 75.
Since the 60s, Bond dedicated his life to equal rights for others. In 1960, he co-founded the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and was the first president of the Southern Poverty Law Center. An educator and a lawmaker, the Tennessee native was very vocal on voter registration laws and led the NAACP for ten years.
“Julian Bond was a hero and, I’m privileged to say, a friend,” President Barack Obama said in a statement. “Julian Bond helped change this country for the better. And what better way to be remembered than that.”
The Congressional Black Caucus has released the following statement about Bond?s life: ?
“Our hearts are deeply saddened upon hearing news of the passing of our dear friend, Dr. Julian Bond, a forefather of America’s Civil Rights Movement and one of our country’s greatest advocates for freedom, equality and equitable treatment for all people.
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“From his work as a student leader during the 1960s to his service in the Georgia House of Representatives and Senate, Dr. Bond was a leader in the fight against racism and segregation.? As founding President of the Southern Poverty Law Center to Chairman and later Chairman Emeritus of the NAACP, Dr. Bond continued his work educating citizens around the world of the struggles of African Americans and the history of civil rights in America.? Dr. Bond spent his lifetime in public service calling for equal civil and human rights, not only for African Americans but for every American, and until his untimely death, he was an advocate, activist and a dedicated champion who fought for the most vulnerable individuals and communities among us.
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“Today, we mourn the loss of an American civil rights icon, but we continue to celebrate his life and legacy by ensuring that all Americans share equal access to opportunity and freedom to achieve the American Dream.? We extend our thoughts and prayers to Dr. Bond’s family, his wife Pamela Horowitz, his five children, and to individuals around the world who were touched by his compassion, dedication and commitment to equality and justice for all.”
