SPECIAL: Julian Bond - Father, Leader and Renaissance Man, Part 2

The Georgia Politics Podcast

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! We are back with Part 2 of our interview with Atlanta City Councilman Michael Julian Bond to discuss the legacy of his father, Julian Bond, a longtime civil rights activist and Georgia State Senator.

In Part 2, we will focus on his 1986 run for Congress against the eventual winner John Lewis, but we will also touch on his run for President in 1976, his time as Chair of the NAACP, and what he was like as a father.

First up, we have to talk about Bond’s run for President of the United States in 1976 as a candidate for the Democratic nomination. While his campaign was largely symbolic, aiming to bring attention to issues of racial and social justice, his candidacy marked an important moment in American politics, emphasizing the intersection of civil rights activism and electoral engagement.

Then, in the 1986 Democratic primary for Georgia's 5th Congressional District, Julian Bond and John Lewis faced off for the nomination. The race was significant as it pitted two titans of the civil rights movement against each other. Councilman Bond also talks about how it was particularly hard because Lewis was a close family friend and his godfather.

The primary was highly competitive, with both candidates having strong support within the African American community and among progressive voters. Ultimately, John Lewis emerged victorious and went on to win the general election, continuing his impactful career in Congress. The race highlighted the evolution of civil rights leaders into mainstream political figures, contributing to the ongoing narrative of their dedication to public service.

In addition to his continued commitment to teaching and education, Bond would go on to serve as Chairman of the NAACP from 1998 to 2010, the longest serving Chairman for the 114-year-old organization focused on civil rights. Bond, a charismatic leader and veteran of the civil rights movement, revitalized the organization, focusing on voter registration, economic equality, and education.

Connect with Councilman Michael Julian Bond on Twitter @Michael_J_Bond

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