WASHINGTON – Civil rights pioneer and NAACP Chairman Emeritus Julian Bond is featured in a new video released today as part of the Human Rights Campaign’s Americans for Marriage Equality public education campaign.  In the web ad, Bond notes his history of “fighting for what’s right and just” and calls on Americans to stand up for committed, loving couples getting married.

"There are few who have so dramatically changed this country for the better like Dr. Julian Bond,” said HRC President Joe Solmonese. “We are so grateful this tireless heavyweight of the civil rights movement is advocating on behalf of marriage equality. His voice is sure to spark conversations around the dinner table and in places of work and worship all over this country.”

Bond has had a distinguished career that includes service as NAACP chairman from 1998 to 2010 and as a member of the Georgia House of Representatives. He is a distinguished adjunct professor at American University.

About 53% of the American public supports marriage for same-sex couples, according to a number of nonpartisan polls, including Gallup, CNN, and Washington Post/ABC News. Support has increased an unprecedented 20 points since 1996, according to the Pew Research Center.

This is the third video released by HRC as part of its Americans for Marriage Equality campaign and also the third featuring a noted African-American. Newark, NJ Mayor Cory Booker, one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World, kicked off the series followed by Oscar Winner Mo’Nique. Over the coming months, HRC will roll out targeted videos playing off of the Americans brand, including Republicans for Marriage Equality, African-Americans for Marriage Equality, Latinos for Marriage Equality and Elected Officials for Marriage Equality.

For the videos and more information about the campaign, visit www.hrc.org/MarriageEquality.

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.