On June 17th, we lost an important link to our past and one of the true leaders of the Civil Rights Movement.

James Gildersleeve died at the age of 86 and will be remembered as a hero. He was President of the Dallas County Voters League and a member of the Courageous Eight.

On Tuesday, we can honor his memory in the simplest but most appropriate of ways, get out and vote.

Gildersleeve, the other members of the Courageous Eight, and countless others risked their lives and the lives of their families for the right to vote, among others.

Gildersleeve and the members of the DCVL set the tone for the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

They went against the odds, fought oppression, lack of education and segregation.

They won.

Is there any more appropriate way to celebrate his life than at the polls on Tuesday?

For many of us, the actions of the Civil Rights Movement, are real only in the pages of history books, or in stories passed down.

Tom Brokaw has often wrote about the “Greatest Generation” that gave so much to win World War II.

Brokaw writes and talks passionately about preserving their first-hand history before it’s too late.

Gildersleeve was a member of that generation and thank goodness we have been able to preserve so much of his story.

Gildersleeve’s work and his resolve will be read about in history books.

His work will be passed on from generation to generation.

His legacy will be told not only in pictures on the walls inside the National Voting Rights Museum, but also through the words of those who were touched by him.

He leaves a legacy.

The youth of Selma should consider him and the other members of the Courageous Eight role models on par with some of the great Americans.

The lessons taught by this schoolteacher, warrior and Civil Rights fighter were that people should fight for what they believe in.

His work did not focus on the price that was paid; rather he kept his eye on the goal

His goal was to make a difference in the lives of African-Americans.

He did that and more.

He will forever be remembered as a man who was committed to the struggle.

He was courageous.