Press Release

"Today I join the nation in mourning the loss of one of our country's greatest civil rights activists and leaders.

"Oliver Hill has been an inspiration to me as well as to the many other African Americans who have followed in his footsteps. He showed steadfast courage to stand up for what he believed in-for what was right-even in the face of adversity that most would find unendurable.

"His contributions to the civil rights movement, whether fighting to ensure that African American teachers receive the same pay as white teachers or fighting to ensure that all students have the same access to a quality education, were monumental in the movement to bring our society to a point where we honor the observance that all men are created equal.

"My deepest thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Hill's family during this difficult time, and I hope that his legacy as a visionary leader will provide some relief to all those who are suffering from his loss. He will be deeply missed."