Honoring the Life of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg

With the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Friday night, condolences and tributes began to emerge. Derrick Johnson, President, NAACP said of the passing of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, “Today, many hearts are heavy with devastation following the passing of our nation’s north star for justice, Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Only the second Civil Rights lawyer to serve on the Supreme Court, Ruth Bader Ginsburg was called the “Thurgood Marshall of gender equality law,” at the time of her nomination by President Clinton.“Justice Ginsburg’s 27-year tenure on the Supreme Court was marked by a passion for the promises of our nation’s constitution and the rule of the law. Her long, remarkable record includes her legendary opinions and powerful dissents that bent the arc of the moral universe towards justice.”

Johnson continued, “Last night, we mourned this immense loss. Today, we fight to preserve her legacy.

“From the depths of our devastation we must find within us a fiery determination to carry on the righteous fight for equality and justice for all – because the progress Ruth Bader Ginsburg championed can be lost in a matter of months if we don’t take action right now.

“We must vote like our lives depend on it – because they do.

“What’s at stake in this historic election: Racial justice is the ballot. Gender equality is on the ballot. LGBTQ+ rights are on the ballot. Healthcare is on the ballot.

“We’ve already seen who the Trump administration has appointed to the Supreme Court and the short list of recommendations for the next choice. They are extremists who will reverse all our gains in civil rights. None of his nominees will protect our rights.

“The NAACP is working tirelessly to ensure it is the NEXT president who appoints a fair-minded jurist as Justice Ginsburg’s replacement, worthy of her legacy, and to ensure every eligible Black voter can cast their ballot safely in this historic election.”

National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial issued the following statement regarding the passing of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg:

“Justice Ginsburg was one of the greatest champions of equal opportunity to serve on the Supreme Court recent history. Her dissent in Shelby v. Holder — pointing out that “throwing out preclearance when it has worked and is continuing to work to stop discriminatory changes is like throwing away your umbrella in a rainstorm because you are not getting wet” — was eerily prescient. Her commitment to defending the rights of marginalized Americans was never in doubt. Her intelligence, her expertise, and her passion will be sorely missed. The National Urban League joins the nation in mourning this monumental loss.”

PPGNY Action Fund Vice President of Public Affairs Pascale Bernard stated, “Justice Ginsburg committed her entire life to fighting for freedom for people of all genders. Her achievements are endless – she harnessed courage and resolve to strategically break down America’s sexist, unethical laws and institutions. Her powerful words over the years, perhaps especially in those moments when she spoke in dissent, have helped push our laws and our nation toward a more perfect union.

“When Ruth Bader Ginsburg saw something repugnant – like systemic discrimination – she got straight to work. And that’s what we all must do now to honor her legacy and preserve the ideals she spent her life’s work defending.”

US Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18) called Ginsburg, a champion of equality and a true American hero. “Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a towering defender of all who yet need justice in America.

“We mourn the loss of her colossal intellect and erudition. We will not soon see again her grace and humor on the High Court.

“The only thing that could possibly make this worse, would be the cynicism and hypocrisy of Senator McConnell disrespecting her memory.”