Civil Rights leader- Julian Bond dies at the age of 75 years old

Julian Bond, a lifelong civil rights leader and former board chairman of the NAACP, has died. He was 75.

Bond died Saturday night after a brief illness in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center, which he served as founding president in the 1970s.

"Not only has the country lost a hero today, we've lost a great friend," the legal advocacy group said in a statement.

The Tennessee native was on the forefront of the 1960s civil rights movement, and was among activists who demanded equal rights for African-Americans.

President Barack Obama highlighted his lifetime mission of justice and equality.

"Julian Bond was a hero and, I'm privileged to say, a friend," Obama said in a statement. "Julian Bond helped change this country for the better. And what better way to be remembered than that."

Former President Bill Clinton and Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton also offered their condolences.

"Julian lived his life at the center of the fight for civil rights, equality, and justice," the Clintons said. "Julian helped us to become a more perfect union and always pushed us to do better. We will miss him."

More info at CNN