E-mail a friendAugust 26, 2009
In a show devoted to the passing of Massachusetts Sen. Edward Kennedy, Tavis discusses the legacy of the U.S. Senate's "liberal lion" with Georgia Rep. John Lewis and civil rights attorney Vernon Jordan. The tribute also features clips from Tavis' past conversations with the patriarch of the Kennedy dynasty.
Sen. Edward Kennedy Tribute
Sen. Edward Kennedy Tribute
Sen. Edward "Ted" Kennedy was one of the Democratic Party's most influential members. Named in '06 on Time's list of "America's 10 Best Senators," he authored more than 2,500 bills on a wide range of issues, including voting and civil rights, healthcare, labor and education. He chaired the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee in the 110th Congress. Kennedy also wrote a children's book, My Senator and Me, a political history, America Back on Track, and, before his passing, a soon-to-be-released memoir, True Compass.
Rep. John Lewis
Rep. John Lewis
Civil rights hero discusses the impact Sen. Kennedy had on Black America. (1:30)
Full interview. (10:38)
Georgia Rep. John Lewis is recognized as one of the "Big Six" civil rights movement leaders. As a student, he organized sit-in demonstrations at segregated lunch counters. He also helmed the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. The son of sharecroppers, the Alabama native was educated at Nashville's Fisk University and American Baptist Theological Seminary. He was on the Atlanta City Council before being elected to the U.S. House in '86. Lewis is the last surviving speaker from the '63 March on Washington.
Vernon Jordan
Vernon Jordan
Civil rights attorney reflects on his personal friendship with the late senator. (3:08)
Full interview. (7:27)
Vernon Jordan is known internationally for his work in the civil rights, business, legal and political arenas. He served as National Urban League president-CEO, UNCF exec director and director of the Southern Regional Council's Voter Education Project. He's also advised U.S. presidents and was chair of President Clinton's transition team. Jordan is a Howard University law school graduate and author of Make It Plain and Vernon Can Read!: A Memoir, which chronicles his rise from the Atlanta projects to Washington power broker.