Statement by President Bill Clinton on the passing of Jefferson Thomas of the Little Rock Nine
"I am deeply saddened at the passing of Jefferson Thomas, a true hero, a fine public servant, and profoundly good man, just fifty years after his graduation from Central High School. Along with his fellow Little Rock Nine, Jefferson paid the price for his courage to bring an end to racial segregation, and I always admired his humble nature and good humor despite all that he endured. I was proud to welcome Jefferson and the other members of Little Rock Nine to the Governor's Mansion in Arkansas on the 30th anniversary of their courageous breakthrough, to appear with them on the 40th anniversary at Central High, and to award them each of them with the Congressional Gold Medal as President. Jefferson and I had a long visit when he came to my Presidential Center for the 50th anniversary in 2007, and I was struck again by his quiet dignity and kindness. America is a stronger, more diverse, and more tolerant nation because of the life he lived and the sacrifices he made. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Mary and son Jefferson Jr.; the eight surviving Little Rock Nine, who have remained so close over the years; and his many friends around the country."
