2016 Postmortem
In reply to the discussion: Sanders was the only White guy who showed up [View all]senz
(11,945 posts)and Bernie has never sought celebrity for himself. So he never made himself an obvious Black hero. But his heart and soul have been with oppressed minorities his entire life. He's done most of his work in the halls of congress pushing for and arguing for bills that advance civil rights and vociferously fighting against oppressive legislation. It has been the focus of his life. Numerous videos of his impassioned speeches to his fellow legislators have been posted here on DU. I could collect them for you if you want, but don't have time right now. Let me know and I'll do it later. He also traveled to Latin America to organize workers against NAFTA.
I outlined his life's work here: http://www.democraticunderground.com/12511324268
When you consider that he has lived most of his adult life in Vermont where civil rights are not the immediate concern of his rural constituents, it is amazing how much of his career has been spent fighting for civil rights.
No other candidate can match him on this.