"I now teach at American University and the University of Virginia"

Julian Bond’s statement, “I now teach at American University and the University of Virginia,” speaks to a significant evolution in his career and personal mission. After building a legacy as a pioneering civil rights leader, co-founder of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), and politician, Bond’s decision to teach at two renowned universities represents a commitment to education as activism’s natural extension. For Bond, the classroom becomes a new platform for influence and change, allowing him to bring real-world experience into academic discussion and to mentor the next generation seeking to understand, and transform, the social and political landscape.

His presence at both American University, located in Washington, D.C., and the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, is emblematic of his broad reach and the national scope of the issues he addressed. These universities represent vital centers for political science and American history, offering Bond the opportunity to interact with students from different backgrounds and perspectives. Through his teaching, Bond could bridge the gap between historical movements and contemporary issues, contextualizing struggles for social justice while emphasizing the relevance and urgency of civic engagement today.

Furthermore, Bond’s dual appointment reflects the recognition of his expertise and living legacy by academic institutions. It suggests that his voice, grounded in experience from the heart of the civil rights struggle, is both authoritative and inspiring. By sharing the details of his involvement in shaping history, Bond empowers students to realize their potential impact. His teaching is not merely an academic exercise, but an act of empowerment and a call to action, encouraging critical thought paired with activism.

Ultimately, teaching at these universities allowed Bond to sustain his lifelong dedication to equality, education, and justice, seeding his values and insights within future leaders and changemakers. His engagement within academic spaces underscores the enduring importance of connecting lived history to ongoing conversations about democracy, rights, and activism.