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 Medgar Evers  |
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Medgar Evers was a prominent civil rights activist of 1950s and early 1960s. Evers, the first Mississippi field secretary of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), established local chapters throughout the Delta region and organized boycotts of businesses that discriminated against African-Americans. Evers’ protests and efforts in assisting James Meredith become admitted to the University of Mississippi drew national attention. On June 12, 1963, Evers, increasingly targeted by white supremacists, was assassinated by Byron De La Beckwith. All-white juries failed to reach a verdict at two trials in the 1960s, allowing De La Beckwith to remain free. However, through the persistent efforts of Evers’ wife Myrlie, De La Beckwith was convicted in 1994 and spent the remainder of his life in prison. Evers left behind an impressive legacy of achievement and is influence can be found in the Mississippi of today. Source: http://www.olemiss.edu/depts/english/ms-writers/dir/evers_medgar/ |
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Governor Jon S. Corzine and Secretary of State Nina Mitchell Wells invite you to join the celebration of Black History Month |
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