Julian Bond's Role In The Civil Rights Movement

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Since the 1960’s, Julian Bond has acquired a leading figure role in the civil rights movement. Currently teaching history at the University of Virginia, he was a founding member of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). Clearly, throughout his interview he admires and resents Jefferson simultaneously. Conflicted with Jefferson’s position on slavery, as an African American, Bond can’t make sense of Jefferson’s vision of liberty and equal rights when, in fact, he owned slaves himself. Although, this does not diminish Jefferson’s character in his eyes, he is convinced it is a disgrace to his generation. Surprisingly, Bond also considered his perception for Sally Hemings, unruffled by the romantic relationship between them. Ultimately disappointed in the way he lived his private life, nonetheless, he was proud of Jefferson’s perspective on freedom. …show more content…

Unlike Bond, Franklin felt no remorse for Jefferson’s contradicting manner. Admitting forgiveness for Jefferson’s transgressions, he is undoubtedly sure he recognized his actions. Franklin believed he was satisfied with the institution of slavery, considering his fear of setting his slaves free. Although, he was not at all a hero to him, Franklin respected Jefferson as a talented and brilliant American. Quickly dismissing Sally Hemings as his mistress, Franklin was more interested in pointing out the exploitation of all African Americans. Granting all this, Franklin concluded Jefferson’s legacy was a gift and a curse; one should observe the importance of the Declaration of Independence despite his particular position on

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