The Leadership Conference Statement on the Passing of Vernon Jordan

WASHINGTON — Wade Henderson, interim president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement on the passing of civil rights activist Vernon Jordan, a 2000 recipient of the Hubert H. Humphrey Civil and Human Rights Award, the civil rights community’s highest honor:

“Vernon Jordan was a former board member, longtime friend, and supporter of The Leadership Conference, and a champion of civil rights with a long legacy of accomplishments. From successfully integrating the University of Georgia, to his leadership at the NAACP and the National Urban League, to his advising of President Bill Clinton, he was always guided by the noble pursuit of promoting civil rights for all. We are all indebted to Vernon for his untiring commitment to promoting a just, inclusive, and fair democracy – one that works for everyone. We mourn the loss of this giant and are filled with gratitude for his lifelong dedication to building a country as good as its ideals.”

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights is a coalition charged by its diverse membership of more than 220 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 member organizations, visit www.civilrights.org.

###