Julian Bond dies age 75
Bond dies in Fort Walton Beach, FL. His wife says the cause was complications of vascular disease. Wife:
[He] never took his eyes off the prize and that was always racial equality…He had a wonderful sense of humor. You know, that got him through the serious things he dealt with all his life. He used to joke that on his tombstone, one side would say ‘Race man’ and the other side would say, ‘Easily amused.’
Donates papers
Bond donates correspondence to the Auburn Avenue Research Library in Atlanta. The collection covers the period from 1969 to 1996 and contains correspondence, organizational and institutional material related to the Voter Education Project, Political Associates, and The Southern Elections Fund, includes speeches, political ephemera, articles, poetry and a book written by Bond, as well as items relating to African American political life.
Becomes U. Virginia professor
Bond joins the faculty of University of Virginia. Over 20 years he teaches more than 5,000 students about the Civil Rights Movement in the larger context of American history. He also leads numerous U.Va.-sponsored Civil Rights South Tours, giving his firsthand knowledge of the Civil Rights Movement.
Becomes AU adjunct professor
Bond becomes distinguished adjunct professor of government at American University’s School of Public Affairs. He teaches more than 500 students in an honors course focusing on the oral history of the civil rights movement, and an advanced study of the politics of civil rights.
After teaching at many fine schools, the students I am closest to are those I met and taught at SPA. We have developed lasting and continuing relationships.
Takes MLK social philosophy course
Bond takes a social philosophy class at Morehouse College taught by King, one year before the civil rights leader would give his “I Have a Dream” speech in the nation’s capital.
A lot of people will tell you they are a student of Martin Luther King Jr. But Martin Luther King Jr. only taught one class in his lifetime. There were only eight students in that class. I was one of the eight.
Creates Atlanta University civil rights org
Bond helps create the Atlanta University student civil rights organization, which directs several years of nonviolent protests and wins integration of Atlanta’s movie theaters, lunch counters and parks.
Julian Bond born in Nashville, TN
Bond is born at Hubbard Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee. He is the son of Horace and Julia Bond. Julia is a former librarian at Clark Atlanta University. The family resides on campus at Fort Valley State College, where Horace is president. The Bond’s house is a frequent stop for scholars and activists and celebrities passing by. He has two siblings, James and Jane Margaret.