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."
For more on Oliver White Hill, see here and here. What an amazing, inspiring life, and what a courageous man! (e.g., "During the 1940s and 1950s, Hill's home life was under constant threat. He did not allow his son to answer the telephone because so many threats were coming in, and a cross was burned on his lawn.")
"Oliver White Hill was an American of the finest order. Hill's legacy of outstanding service to our country through advancing the cause of freedom for all Americans is a shining tribute to the life he led."Oliver Hill dedicated his life to fighting against racism and pushing forward the civil rights and freedoms for generations of Americans. His dedication to this nation was further demonstrated through his military service during World War II.
"Oliver Hill's life serves as a lesson to all of us of how far we have come and how hard we must continue to work to keep our society moving forward."
"Oliver Hill spent his life dedicated to the causes of justice and equality, both here in Virginia and throughout the United States. Because of him, our schools are better, our workplaces fairer and our country is stronger. Mr. Hill challenged our country and changed it for the better. His life is a shining example to us all."
Cranwell is chairman of the DPVA.
I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Oliver White Hill, a pioneer during the civil rights era. Hill was an attorney with the NAACP and Legal Defense Fund. Hill fought alongside his good friend Thurgood Marshall on the Brown v. Board of Education cases and in the 1940's practiced law in Virginia fighting on behalf of the separate-but-equal framework on a broad equalization campaign for better pay, transportation, and facilities for African American teachers and students. Hill was often quoted as saying, "I went to law school so I could go out and fight segregation."In 1999, Hill was awarded the nation's highest honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom award by my husband, President Bill Clinton. Oliver Hill truly stood up for everything that is necessary to make America equal. My thoughts and prayers are extended to the entire Hill family.
Classy.