Legal Momentum Mourns Passing of Senator Ted Kennedy

August 26, 2009 -

New York and Washington, DC – Legal Momentum mourns the passing of Senator Edward Kennedy and honors his legacy of advancing the cause of social justice for so many, including women, immigrants and people of color.  Legal Momentum's President, Irasema Garza, made the following statement: 

 "Legal Momentum is deeply saddened by the loss of Senator Edward M. Kennedy. We extend our condolences to his family, friends, and staff."  

"We will miss Senator Kennedy's tireless advocacy and his commitment to making room at the table for everyone, and reaching across the table and across the aisle to forge the alliances that made progress possible. Whether the issue was  pay fairness, immigration reform, the many civil rights issues, hate crimes prevention, health care reform, or the increase in the minimum wage, Senator Kennedy was there. And his presence, leadership, and steadfast advocacy were instrumental in securing passage of key pieces of legislation such as the Lilly Ledbetter Act, the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, the Americans with Disability Act, the Violence Against Women Act, particularly its immigration protections, and countless other seminal bills, all of which have had a profound influence on our nation by improving the lives of millions of Americans.   

In honoring the "Lion of the Senate," we can pay no greater tribute in words than those which he spoke in honoring his late brother, Robert:  "He need not be idealized, or enlarged in death beyond what he was in life; to be remembered simply as a good and decent man, who saw wrong and tried to right it, saw suffering and tried to heal it."

About Legal Momentum:
Founded in 1970, Legal Momentum is the nation's oldest legal defense and education fund dedicated to advancing the rights of women and girls.

www.legalmomentum.org

Contact: Erin Smith, esmith@legalmomentum.org, 212.413.7516; cell, 512.203.6206

lm45-2009