I was sad to read of the passing of Julian Bond, long time civil rights leader and member of the Georgia General Assembly.
I became aware of him when as a youngster I was watching television coverage of the 1968 Democratic convention with my parents. That convention was a wild one, definitely for the books. At one time, this young man from Georgia was nominated to be a candidate for the vice presidency. He was too young for the slot, but while being interviewed he remarked drily "I'd like to be Vice President!". Young as I was, I appreciated the wry humor of that remark and I have never forgotten the man behind it.
You may find the New York Times coverage of him here
While he is known for his long service in the field of civil rights, I believe he was all that could be desired of an exceptional American leader and we are all better off for his having been with us over these years.