The National Hispanic Media Coalition mourns the passing of legendary civil rights leader Julian Bond, co-founder of the Southern Poverty Law Center and former chairman of the NAACP. His dedication and struggle for freedom, justice and equality will continue to persevere and inspire the generations to come. SEE: “Julian Bond, Charismatic Civil Rights Leader, Dies at 75” (New York Times) “The country has lost a pioneer, hero and champion,” said Alex Nogales, President and CEO of NHMC. “Since our first discussion, I was moved by Bond’s compassion, leadership and concern for others, including the Latino community. The best way to commemorate his work is to continue to fight for these rights. He said it best, when he said ‘Good things don’t come to those who wait; they come to those who agitate.’ ” From serving as the co-founder and communications director of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee in the 1960s, Bond was a champion for civil and human rights from an early age. He then went on to serve six terms in the Georgia House of Representatives; ran for the U.S. House of Representatives, but lost; lead campaigns to register black voters; and launched a program to give low-interest loans to people of color. Bond was also a writer, poet, author and professor at many universities, including Harvard University, Drexel University and University of Pennsylvania. The country has lost one of its most eloquent voices for the fight for justice. In addition to advocating for African Americans, Bond was a champion for Latinos and many other groups and people subject to oppression and discrimination. He recognized the common humanity in us all.]]>