Civil and Human Rights Coalition Mourns Loss of Julius Chambers
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Washington, D.C. – Wade Henderson, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement in remembrance of the life and work of renowned civil rights litigator Julius Chambers:
“Julius Chambers was a determined and brilliant litigator, change agent, and social engineer who advanced equality for all. As tenacious an advocate as he was, he should also be remembered for his commitment to racial progress, his personal integrity, his incredible strength in the face of adversity, and his mentorship of young attorneys and law students.
This determination led Chambers to argue and win eight cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, both in private practice as the founder and partner at North Carolina’s first integrated law firm and as head of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc.
One of his most notable Supreme Court victories was Swann v. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education, which desegregated North Carolina schools and led to the use of busing programs to desegregate schools nationwide.
And his conviction and fearlessness allowed him to overcome the firebombing of his home and car and withstand having his law office burnt to the ground. After the firebombing of his car, he was reported to have said ‘we’re going back in and finish the meeting.’
As we look for role models whose spirit of determination we can embody to continue the fight for equality for all, we should all look to the work and legacy of Julius Chambers. We honor and praise his tremendous contributions to building an America that’s as good as its ideals.”
Wade Henderson is the president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, a coalition charged by its diverse membership of more than 200 national organizations to promote and protect the rights of all persons in the United States. The Leadership Conference works toward an America as good as its ideals. For more information on The Leadership Conference and its 200-plus member organizations, visit www.civilrights.org.
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