"Ever since his visit to Charleston in 1970 in support of my unsuccessful bid for the South Carolina House of Representatives, Maynard Jackson and I were close and cordial friends.  He was the only prominent national African American figure to support my candidacy when I sought to break barriers in South Carolina, and I, in turn, supported his election as Mayor of Atlanta in 1973 at the age of 35. 

            "We were contemporaries, the first generation of blacks who looked to government as a means to improve the lives of our people and our communities.   Maynard was a literal and physical giant who dedicated his life to fostering a better life and future for everyone he served.    All of his public accomplishments were hard won and not without controversy.  But he didn't shy away from standing up for what he believed in, and as a result his contributions are great. 

            "His enduring legacy is obvious in the latest incarnation of his public service.  As a businessman and political activist, Maynard was currently involved with a project close to my heart - improving black voter participation.  He realized for the next generation to be able to follow in his footsteps and use public service as a means to improve conditions in the African American community, they have to take ownership and become a more active part of the process.  I only hope that the seeds he has planted with this initiative grow to produce future generations in his likeness."

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