ATLANTA – State Representative Dee Dawkins-Haigler (D-Lithonia), Chair of the Legislative Black Caucus, today offered the following statement on the recent passing of civil rights leader, Julian Bond:
“Over the weekend the world was saddened to receive the news that one of the most prolific social and civil rights icons of our time had received his final reward. As a lifetime member of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus, Julian Bond held a special place in the hearts of those from his beloved “peach state.” Mr. Bond left a legacy that spans over 50 plus years of social advocacy and educational awakening.
“Julian Bond was more than just an icon, he was a soldier. When he was elected to our august body of legislators in 1965, the legislature voted to keep him from being seated because of his stance on the Vietnam War. Bond did not allow this to deter him, but instead, took his fight to the Supreme Court where there was a unanimous ruling in his favor, which allowed him to finally be seated, almost 2 years later. He served in the Georgia House for 4 terms and then served in the State Senate for 6 terms, leaving the General Assembly 1987.
“Leadership, service and scholastic achievement were a part of Julian’s DNA, as his father, Horace Mann Bond, served as President of Fort Valley State University and later went on to become the first African American President of Lincoln University. At 17, Julian Bond became active in the civil rights movement while a student at Morehouse College. He became a co-founder of SNCC and served as their communications director. Bond was founder of the Southern Poverty Law Center and became its first President in 1971. He served until 1979, remaining a board member and president emeritus for the rest of his life. In 1998, Bond was selected as chairman of the NAACP.
“The Georgia Legislative Black Caucus (GLBC) owes much to Mr. Julian Bond and his contributions to our state. I feel a deep sense of pride knowing that Julian Bond helped shape the direction of our state. It is with great vigor that the GLBC will continue to be a strong voice for civil and human rights, and we will keep the legacy and witness of Julian Bond alive. We send our condolences to the Bond family and will continue to keep them lifted in prayer.”
Representative Dee Dawkins-Haigler represents the citizens of District 91, which includes portions of DeKalb and Rockdale counties. She was elected into the House of Representatives in 2008, and currently serves on the Banks & Banking, Human Relations & Aging, and Science and Technology committees.
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