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STATEMENT FROM CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE ON THE PASSING OF JULIAN BOND

August 17, 2015

August 16, 2015

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee released the following statement regarding the passing of Julian Bond:

"From his days as the co-founder and communications director of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee in the 1960s to his chairmanship of the NAACP in the 21st century, Julian was a visionary and tireless champion for civil and human rights. Julian was on the forefront of the 1960s civil rights movement and was among activists who demanded equal rights for African-Americans. Julian campaigned for equal rights for minorities beyond the United States. In 1985, police arrested him outside the South African Embassy in Washington, where he was protesting against apartheid.

"Julian was also a great legislator. Julian was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 1965. In addition to the Georgia House, he served in the state Senate for years. Julian was also an educator. Julian taught at various universities, including Harvard and the University of Pennsylvania and he was also a faculty member in the History Department at the University of Virginia at Charlottesville, my Alma Mater, where he taught history of the Civil Rights Movement until 2013. Julian was also the chairman of the NAACP for a decade.

"With Julian's passing, the country has lost one of its most passionate voices for the cause of justice for all. He advocated not just for African Americans, but for every group, indeed every person subject to oppression and discrimination, because he recognized the common humanity in us all.

"My condolences to his wife Pamela Horowitz and their five children. Not only has the country lost an icon when it comes to a fighter for justice but we have lost a hero and we have lost a great friend. Julian was a genuine human being who cared for all humanity."

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