Ammons Honors Life and Legacy of Civil Rights Activist Dr. Bernard LaFayette Jr.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – In light of the passing of Dr. Bernard LaFayette Jr. earlier this month, state Rep. Carol Ammons, D-Urbana, has introduced a resolution honoring his life and impact on the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. 

“I was so saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. LaFayette, a true trailblazer and change maker. He embodied what it means to be a lifelong advocate, from joining the NAACP at 12 years old to championing the study of nonviolence and the power of protest.

“Dr. LaFayette advocated across the country, spending time in Chicago working in the housing equity movement, before returning to finish his Bachelor’s degree, followed by a Master’s and Doctorate degree in education from Harvard University. He was a trailblazer both in advocacy and education.

“Passing in his late 80s, Dr. LaFayette saw so much in his life. He walked alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and organized the Selma protests; he saw the first Black president, Barack Obama. Dr. LaFayette saw so much progress, and yet so much loss in his lifetime. We owe a debt of gratitude to all he accomplished, from peaceful protests to educational programs.

“Despite leaving his earthly form, Dr. Bernard LaFayette will stand by us in spirit as we continue to fight for the equity and peace he dedicated his life to.”