Julian Bond set example in fight for civil rights

Today, the throne of civil rights is now empty, the eyes of justice have been closed, and the road to equality has just gotten longer to travel. The battle for humanity has lost one of its greatest warriors and the prisoner called “Discrimination” has just received a pardon to be released.

This warrior - with his calm demeanor, his intellectual and philosophical opinions relating to unity, non-violence, and a world of one with equality for all - has left a torch burning with the flames of a legacy that must be passed on. He was a role model, social activist, professor, and a lawmaker that stood up for what he believed in even though enemies challenged his position. He was humane and because of his humanity, standing up for righteousness, he won the battle over injustice with self-determination, focus, motivation, and devotion.

This warrior’s name is Mr. Horace Julian Bond.

Mr. Bond, you may be gone from this world but your life, legacy, and your spirit will live on within us. We, the heirs of the struggle, will continue to carry the fiery torch of unity, justice, and peace that you left us to maintain. We will stand up against the barriers of inequity, injustice, and remember what you stood for. We will also remind our children that when they seek the definition of civil rights to look up your name, Mr. Horace Julian Bond.

May you rest in peace, Mr. Bond, and your family has my deepest sympathy.

This story was originally published August 28, 2015 at 8:52 AM with the headline "Julian Bond set example in fight for civil rights."