On the Passing of Sen. Edward Kennedy

The Los Angeles Urban League joins the Kennedy family and the nation in mourning the passing of Senator Edward M. Kennedy, a social justice giant, one of the nation's most effective and irreplaceable advocates for equality, a brilliant legislator and a tireless champion for those in need. Senator Kennedy's service to the United States Senate will forever stand as a citadel of legislative accomplishments and provides a template for future leaders in the fight for civil and human rights. Throughout his career in the United States Senate, Senator Kennedy was a friend of the Urban League Movement and all organizations that waged the battles to end inequality and discrimination in all areas of America society. By some accounts, he was responsible for supporting more civil rights initiatives than any other senator in US history.

"Among his extensive list of achievements, Senator Kennedy has been one of the nation's most passionate and persuasive voices on the need for access to adequate and affordable healthcare for all Americans, and he has done as much as anyone in public life to bring these issues to the forefront" said Blair H. Taylor, president of the Los Angeles Urban League. "Every victory that he achieved strengthened our resolve and affirmed that we were on the right path. We at the Urban League will forever be inspired by his vision, courage and willingness to continue to fight, even until the end."

As the brother who survived the tragic deaths of two of the most revered leaders in American history, Senator Kennedy became the venerated patriarch of his family and lived his entire adult life on the public stage. Yet he never lost the common touch or his deep concern for those in need. He embodied dignity and fortitude that helped the nation to heal through very difficult times and that provided solace for his expansive family. He commanded respect and admiration from leaders across party lines, and the benefits of his legacy of service to America will be felt for generations to come.