Julian Bond, an iconic defender of civil rights and LGBTI ally, has dies at the age of 75.
Bond was quick in making the connection between the black movement’s fight for human rights and LGBTI rights the struggle for rights and gay equality.
“We ought to be happy that many people, including gays and lesbians…have imitated the black movement for human rights,” Bond said in a interview with CNN’s Anderson Cooper in 2012.
“When others imitate what we did to gain their rights we ought to be first in line to say, can I help you?”
Bond was the co-founder of the SPLC (Southern Poverty Law Centre) which is an American nonprofit legal advocacy organization specializing in civil rights and public interest litigation.
Bond served as its president from 1971 to 1979. He also was a board member of the activist organisation.
“With Julian’s passing, the country has lost one of its most passionate and eloquent voices for the cause of justice”, the Southern Poverty Law Center said in a statement.
“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.”
“Quite simply, this nation and this world are far better because of his life and commitment to equality for all people,” explained Chad Griffin, Human Rights Campaign President.
Bond is survived by his second wife and five children.
Last Updated on Aug 17, 2015
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