By Herb Boyd
Managing Editor, Our World Today
Sen. Edward Kennedy, last of the brothers who etched an indelible mark on American politics and among the longest serving senators in U.S. history, died late Tuesday night at home in Hyannis Port. He was 77.
Last week, Kennedy, suffering from brain cancer and with a premonition of his death, urged Massachusetts lawmakers to change state law and let Gov. Deval Patrick appoint a temporary replacement upon his death. Even as he lay mortally stricken, he was trying to ensure that the state’s representation would not be interrupted by a special election.
This concern for the welfare of his constituents both near and afar was typical of Kennedy. He was often in the forefront of legislation and bills beneficial to African Americans, including his uncompromising stance on civil rights issues.
Many Black Americans will recall his resolve to uphold the Voting Rights Act in 1968 as well as the Fair Housing Law. He made a similar stand on these issues when President Reagan was intent of weakening these rights.
Even so, the senator realized that much more had to be done to ensure the permanence of civil rights laws in the nation. It remained, as he said on many occasions, “unfinished business of America.”
Freedom fighters in South Africa also appreciated Kennedy for his leadership to impose economic sanctions on South Africa and its draconian apartheid system.
Yes, the liberal lion roars no more but while he was here among us we heard his voice for the poor and the dispossessed. That roar will be sorely missed.
