“The Reverend Joseph Lowery, co-founder of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, died Friday, according to a statement by the Joseph & Evelyn Lowery Institute for Justice and Human Rights. He was 98 years old.

“The statement said Lowery died peacefully at home Friday night, surrounded by his daughters.

“Known affectionately as the “Dean” of the Civil Rights Movement, Lowery was a part of pivotal moments in the nation’s history – from early civil rights struggles to the inauguration of the country’s first black president.

“Even in his 90s, Lowery’s fervor never dimmed.”

Read more at NPR