|
Governor Timothy M. Kaine issued the following statement upon the death of pioneering civil rights attorney Oliver Hill of Richmond:
“Few individuals in Virginia's rich history have worked as tirelessly as Oliver Hill to make life better for all of our citizens. His life's work was predicated on the simple truth that all men and women truly are created equal. “With righteous determination, a sense of honor, and at considerable personal risk, Mr. Hill methodically and skillfully worked within the legal system to win landmark cases in voting rights, equal pay, better schools, and fair housing. “I first learned of Oliver Hill when I read about him in college. I never could have imagined then that I would come to know him as a friend and serve on the same City Council he was elected to in 1948. “Anne and I, along with so many of his friends, gathered in his honor in May to celebrate his 100th birthday. It was amazing then to contemplate that his life extended to one-quarter of the entire span of Virginia’s history since Jamestown. Virginia has changed in remarkable and laudable ways during the last century and no person had more to do with that than Mr. Hill. “As a pioneer for civil rights, an accomplished attorney, and a war veteran, Mr. Hill’s dedication to serving the Commonwealth and the country never failed. And, despite all of the accolades and honors he received, Mr. Hill always believed his true legacy was working to challenge the conscience of our Commonwealth and our country. “We extend our deepest prayers to his family.”
 |
Subscribe to this comment's feed