We were saddened to learn of the untimely death of Julian Bond.

At 75, he was still very much engaged in what had been his life’s pursuit — equality and justice for all.

He was 20 when he helped found the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee in 1960. And his efforts to bring about change in a nation wracked by centuries of apartheid stressed direct action.

SNCC, a decentralized organization open to all, provided the front line troops for sit-ins and spearheaded major efforts in the Deep South, including the courageous Freedom Rides by a cadre of young people of all races who withstood beatings, arrests and even slayings at the hands of the Klan and other white racists, to ensure the rights of African-Americans to vote.

Mr. Bond and SNCC brought youthful energy to the Civil Rights Movement and operated under the belief that young people, poor people and women also could be leaders in such a vital and important effort.

Tapes of Mr. Bond’s interviews at the time on national news programs show a thoughtful and articulate 20-something who was politically astute and committed to building a better nation.

While watching those tapes, we are reminded of Alicia Garza, the 34-year-old co-founder of Black Lives Matter. While we may question the tactics of members of this seemingly rambunctious and disorganized movement, there is no question that the energy and commitment of this youth movement will help advance the cause of justice in this country.

Already, Black Lives Matter has pushed Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders to specifically address racial justice issues in his platform. Their recent meetings with Democratic contender Hillary Clinton have not fared as well.

It is easy for candidates of all political persuasion to give lip service to the myriad of issues that disproportionately affect African-Americans and other communities of color. Even at the risk of alienating those who support our communities, the young people of Black Lives Matter, like SNCC, are unafraid and unapologetic for pushing our critical concerns to the forefront.

We hope that the spirit of Mr. Bond will live long and continue to bear fruit.