President Carolyn W. Meyers and the entire Jackson State University community send their deepest condolences to the family and friends of two notable civil rights icons who passed away this week, activist Julian Bond and former Ohio Congressman Louis Stokes.
“A world-class scholar, dedicated humanitarian, courageous activist and politician par excellence, Julian Bond demanded that this country live up to its ideals of freedom and democracy,” noted President Meyers.
“We all owe him a huge debt of gratitude, and, without doubt, Mississippi today and this nation are better places due to his tireless and fearless efforts on behalf of the African-American freedom struggle. Bond’s example is one that we should all aspire to and that we must pass down to our young people.
“On a personal note, I am saddened but proud to say that, when I lived in Atlanta, I had the privilege to get to know him,” continued Meyers. “He was a great man, and his legacy will live on through the work we do at Jackson State.”
Also, remembering the life and times of Stokes and his impact on the nation, Meyers called the longtime lawmaker a key national leader who increased opportunities for the underserved among us and for HBCUs everywhere.
“Congressman Louis Stokes left a lasting legacy. Reflecting his commitment and named in recognition of his great body of work, the Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP) program continues to assist universities and colleges in diversifying the STEM workforce particularly through innovative recruitment and retention strategies directed toward underrepresented groups including African-Americans.”
Furthermore, said Meyers, “He will be remembered as a visionary leader who demonstrated his concern through his actions. Inadequate health care for minorities was another of his major concerns. Congressman Stokes was an early advocate of federal intervention in the AIDS crisis. He also sponsored legislation that established the Office of Minority Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human – as a permanent federal agency. The benefits of his vision are still with us, and Jackson State University is proud to nurture that vision through our commitment to our new School of Public Health,” Meyers added.
“The university family joins me in being forever grateful for the positive differences he made in our lives and in those across this nation. We extend sincerest sympathy to the family and friends of this true statesman and leader.”