John Conyers Mourns the Passing of Ex- State Senator Julian Bond of Atlanta, Ga.

DETROIT – Today, U.S. Rep. John Conyers, Jr. (MI-13) released the following statement in the wake of the death of Civil Rights Leader, Julian Bond:

Dean of the U.S. House
of Representatives
John Conyers, Jr.

“I was very saddened to hear about the loss of my friend, Julian Bond.  Julian was a legendary, nationally-recognized life-long activist, who dedicated his career to securing and defending racial equality.”

“Julian, like myself, believed in peace and nonviolence.  A poet, an activist, a teacher and a writer – he used every outlet possible to underscore his message of achieving racial equality and voting rights in America.”

“One of the original leaders of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, Julian learned early on that peaceful demonstration and political activism could lead to positive change.  He continued to be a leader throughout his life going on to be the founding president of the Southern Poverty Law Center from 1971 until 1979 and later, in 1998, served as Chairman of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People for over a decade.”

“He was a dutiful and impactful public servant for 20 years in the Georgia State Legislature, having served as both a House Representative and State Senator.  He later on became a talented educator and lecturer at distinguished academic institutions such as Harvard University, American University, Drexel University and the University of Virginia - further advancing his commitment to justice through education.”

“His leadership and ardent devotion to freeing this country of discrimination leaves a lasting impact on this and generations of Americans to come.  Julian's legacy as an impassioned fighter for equal justice will serve as a model in the continued fight for civil rights.  My sympathies go out to his wife, Pamela, and their family.  America has lost one of its greatest civil rights heroes.”

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