TRIBUTES

Wade Henderson

Leadership Conference on Civil Rights

Senator Edward M. Kennedy was the field general in the fight for civil rights. An eloquent advocate, a skilled strategist, and an unequaled coalition-builder, Ted Kennedy was the most effective senator of his generation and a leader in achieving every major legislative advance during his service in the Senate. From the Civil Rights Act of 1964 through the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009, the cause of civil and human rights had no better friend than Senator Edward M. Kennedy.

As we struggle to enact the health care reform that was his life's work and will be his greatest legacy, we can hear him reminding us that "the work continues" and "the dream lives on." His words and his passion will continue to inspire millions to fulfill this dream.

On this sad day, our hearts and thoughts are also with the Kennedy family in their time of loss. We thank them for their support of Senator Kennedy and his life-long contribution to civil and human rights. We deeply appreciate their contribution.