August 17, 2015

Congresswoman Lee Remembers the Life and Legacy of Julian Bond

Oakland, CA - Congresswoman Lee released this statement upon the passing of Civil Rights leader Julian Bond:

I am deeply saddened by the passing of my good friend Julian Bond.  My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time.

I have known Julian since the early 1970s and most recently stood with him to remember the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam peace movement in Washington DC.

As a co-founder of the Student Nonviolent Corrdinating Committee (SNCC), Julian helped galvanize young people to fight legal segregation and help bring about the victories of the Civil Rights Movement. He was also a tireless advocate for peace.

Throughout his life, he fought for equality, peace and justice as a member of the Georgia legislature and president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

He will be deeply missed but his legacy of tireless advocacy for equality and peace lives on.

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Congresswoman Lee is a member of the Appropriations and Budget Committees, the Steering and Policy Committee, is a Senior Democratic Whip, former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and co-chair of the Progressive Caucus. She serves as chair of the Whip’s Task Force on Poverty and Opportunity.