Horace Julian Bond was born on January 14, 1940, in the city of Nashville, Tennessee. From a young age, he was surrounded by the civil rights movement, as his father, Horace Mann Bond, was a prominent educator and social activist. These early influences would shape Horace's future career and activism.
Horace Julian Bond attended Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, where he quickly became involved in the civil rights movement. In the early 1960s, he helped establish the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), a key organization in the fight for racial equality. His time at Morehouse College laid the foundation for his lifelong dedication to activism and social justice.
After graduating from Morehouse College, Horace Julian Bond began his political career, serving four terms in the Georgia House of Representatives and six terms in the Georgia Senate. He was a trailblazer in Georgia politics, advocating for civil rights and social change at a time when these issues were still highly contentious.
In 1998, Horace Julian Bond was appointed as the chairman of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), a position he held until 2010. During his tenure, he continued to be a vocal advocate for civil rights and equality, leading the organization through challenging times and further solidifying his legacy as a civil rights leader.
In addition to his political career, Horace Julian Bond also made significant contributions to the world of media. In 1987 and 1990, he narrated the critically acclaimed PBS series Eyes on the Prize, a documentary on the civil rights movement in the United States. His powerful voice and storytelling abilities added depth and emotion to the series, making it a seminal work on the subject.
Horace Julian Bond was married to Alice Clopton from 1961 until 1989. Together, they had five children: Phyllis Jane Bond-McMillan, Horace Mann Bond II, Michael Julian Bond, Jeffrey Alvin Bond, and Julia Louise Bond. After his divorce from Alice, Horace Julian Bond married Pamela S. Horowitz in 1990, forming a new family unit.
Throughout his later years, Horace Julian Bond continued to be an influential figure in civil rights and social justice. He remained vocal about important issues, including his disapproval of George W. Bush's judicial nominees. His impact and legacy as a civil rights activist and politician will continue to inspire future generations to fight for equality and justice.