US civil rights icon Julian Bond dies aged 75

By Euronews with REUTERS • Updated: 16/08/2015

American civil rights activist Julian Bond has died at the age of 75.

Bond co-founded the Student Nonviolent Co-ordinating Committee in the 1960s, organising anti-segregation protests and voter registration drives.

He later became a writer, politician and professor. President Obama said he had been privileged to call him a friend.

Bond was also the former chairman of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) .

Tributes on social media have poured in following the announcement of Julian Bond’s death.

Rest in Peace brother Julian Bond. You contributed so much to our liberation. We will continue in your honor. pic.twitter.com/GEbR2L2VfU
— The Dream Defenders (@Dreamdefenders) August 16, 2015

#JulianBond thank you for fighting for our human rights, our dignity, equality & freedom. You have forever changed our lives. Rest in peace.
— Forest Whitaker (@ForestWhitaker) August 16, 2015

#JulianBond, a champion for equality & civil rights. We mourn the loss of this great leader. Photo by Richard Avedon pic.twitter.com/mCrxehDfP6
— Art For Amnesty (@ArtForAmnestyUS) August 16, 2015