"The Kentucky Commission on Human Rights is saddened by the death this week of the great Civil Rights icon, Julian Bond. The world is better because Julian passed this way. He gave every ounce of his being for human rights.

"Julian Bond spent his life fighting and leading for equality. He lived to see the fruits of so many of his and others' efforts, including the end of segregation, the passage of civil rights laws for Americans, and the establishment of the right to vote for blacks and other minorities.

"He was a unique man, and he fought for the betterment and equality of many people who have been oppressed. He was a master orator, politician, brilliant civil rights leader, and a remarkable educator and historian.

"He had deep ties to Kentucky. His great-grandmother was a slave brought to Kentucky as a wedding gift for her owner. His grandfather, James Bond, was a minister born into slavery in Lawrenceburg, KY. His grandfather graduated from Berea College and later became a founding staff member of Lincoln Institute.

"There will never be another Julian Bond, and we extend our sympathy to his wife, children and all of his loved ones."