THE MEDGAR & MYRLIE EVERS INSTITUTE ANNOUNCE THE VOICES OF COURAGE AND JUSTICE 60th COMMEMORATION FESTIVITIES
The Medgar and Myrlie Evers Institute has announced the Voices of Courage and Justice Festivities commemorating 60 years since the assassination of Medgar Evers. The week-long commemoration will be held at the Jackson Convention Complex, Two Mississippi Museums, Smith-Robertson Museum, and Millsaps College.
Medgar and Myrlie Evers are regarded as two of the civil rights movement's most influential leaders. Medgar was the NAACP’s first field secretary in Mississippi. Myrlie worked alongside him to open and manage the first Mississippi office. The NAACP Mississippi State Office unrelenting work was instrumental in capturing critical evidence and witnesses in the investigation into Emmitt Till’s murder.
Following Medgar’s assassination, Myrlie Evers would lead a more than 30 year campaign to bring her husband’s killer to justice. During those years she raised their three children, held prominent positions in the corporate and private sector, and by only one vote in 1995 she led the NAACP as the third woman elected as Chairman of the Board of Directors.
“The legacy of Medgar and Myrlie Evers is important because it serves as a roadmap for all activists, advocates, and allies. We, as a country, and in the South are facing a rollback of the rights and freedoms that called Medgar and Myrlie to activism in the 1950s and 60s,” said Dr. Marino Bruce, Chairman of the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Institute. “Just like Medgar and Myrlie, the Institute will never stop fighting for what is right and just in this world. In 2023, 2024 and beyond we will be dedicated to lifting up voices who are often silenced, registering and encouraging people to vote, defending our rights and freedoms, and challenging governments at every level to care for all of us.”
The commemoration will include the More Than A Widow Brunch, Celebrating the Life of Myrlie Evers on June 8, and the Voices of Courage and Justice Gala on Friday, June 9. Myrlie Evers will be honored with a lifetime achievement award celebrating her storied career, and other dignitaries will be bestowed with the inaugural MMEI Voices of Courage and Justice Award.
“My parents and many, many warriors of the movement dedicated their lives to advancing the cause of equal rights, and their wisdom, life journeys must be revered and shared so all generations can collectively move forward to the achievement of equality for all. we all have a responsibility to carry on the fight against injustice. Now more than ever, it is crucial to empower all generations with the tools and fortitude needed at this critical juncture in our life, not 60 years ago, now, to protect our freedoms in Mississippi, in the U.S. and across the globe. It is our hope that this week of commemoration will educate, empower and inspire every American to stand up, get involved and join together to create a better life for all,” added Reena Evers-Everette Executive Director of the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Institute.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
TUESDAY, JUNE 6
- MMEI Courage and Justice Speaker Series
A series of panel discussions sharing best practices on movement creation and importance of social justice work. - MMEI Gen Z Summit - Inspire - Educate - Activate - Heal - Empower
Students from across the nation will gather and share best practices on advocacy and activism. - Guided or Self-Guided Evers Justice Tour
A guided or self-guided tour that will include markers with QR codes tracing Medgar’s footsteps. - Courage and Justice Film Festival
Images of the Movement Exhibit: Ernest Withers Collection
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7
- MMEI Courage and Justice Speaker Series
- Gen Z Summit
- Guided or Self-Guided Evers Justice Tour
- Courage and Justice Film Festival
- Images of the Movement Exhibit: Ernest Withers Collection
THURSDAY, JUNE 8
- Myrlie Evers: More than a Widow Brunch
Recognizing and celebrating the life and work of Myrlie Evers and Black excellence and culture. - Evers Empowerment Expo
A marketplace of creators featuring artists, tech specialists, authors, and podcast opportunities. - MMEI Courage and Justice Speaker Series
- National Parks Service: The Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument Grand Opening
- Gen Z Summit
- Guided or Self-Guided Evers Justice Tour
- Courage and Justice Film Festival
- Images of the Movement Exhibit: Ernest Withers Collection
FRIDAY, JUNE 9
- MMEI Courage and Justice Speaker Series
Evers Empowerment Expo - Gen Z Summit
- Guided or Self-Guided Evers Justice Tour
- Sponsors Reception
An opportunity to thank all sponsors and recognize their contributions and support. - MMEI Courage and Justice Gala
- Gala honoring the life of Medgar and Myrlie Evers.
- Courage and Justice Film Festival
- Images of the Movement Exhibit: Ernest Withers Collection
SATURDAY, JUNE 10 (Partner Events)
- Evers Parade
Parade celebrating and honoring the life of Medgar, Myrlie and Charles Evers. Led by Councilman Stokes and the Evers family. - National Parks Service Trails & Rails Event
- Gen Z Summit
- Self Guided Medgar Evers Justice Tour
- Images of the Movement Exhibit: Ernest Withers Collection
SUNDAY, JUNE 11 (Partner Events)
- Medgar Evers Sunday
MONDAY, JUNE 12 (Partner Events)
- Recognition of Sacrifice
- Remembrance Ceremony and moment of silence at the National Monument
ACTIVITIES AT THE MEDGAR AND MYRLIE EVERS HOME NATIONAL MONUMENT
June 9:
10am-6pm: Ranger-led shuttle tours
10am-6pm: Ranger-led access of Medgar and Myrlie's House
10am-6pm: Information tent and activities at Myrlie's Garden
10am-1pm and 3pm-5pm: Jr Ranger Activities at Medgar Evers Library
June 10:
9am: Community Cleanup of Medgar Evers Statue at Medgar Evers Library
9am-6pm: Ranger-led shuttle tours
11am -2pm National Park Workshops at Two Mississippi Museums
10am-6pm: Ranger-led access of Medgar and Myrlie's House
10am-6pm: Information tent and activities at Myrlie's Garden
10am-1pm and 3pm-5pm: Jr Ranger Activities at Medgar Evers Library
June 11:
10am-6pm: Ranger-led shuttle tours
10am-6pm: Ranger-led access of Medgar and Myrlie's House
10am-6pm: Information tent and activities at Myrlie's Garden
June 12:
10am: Commemoration Event at Myrlie's Garden
12pm-6pm: Silent walk-through of home
12pm-6pm: Information tent and activities at Myrlie's Garden
10am-1pm and 3pm-5pm: Jr Ranger Activities at Medgar Evers Library