Mississippi Freedom Trail Names Eight New Markers

The Mississippi Freedom Trail recently added eight new markers to its collection of historical landmarks, commemorating important moments, places and figures in the state's civil rights movement.

The new markers include Medgar Evers' first NAACP office on Farish Street, the Civil Rights Lawyers of Jackson (R.J. Brown, Carsie Hall, Jack Young), the Medical Committee for Human Rights (including Dr. Smith and Dr. Anderson), the McComb Bombings, the Masonic Temple of McComb, the Indianola Freedom House, Freedom Schools of Tyler Town, and Ben Brown.

"These new markers acknowledge the grassroots efforts that were happening across the entire state and the challenges they encountered during the civil rights movement, " said John Spann, the Program and Outreach Coordinator for the Council. "They serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by countless individuals in the pursuit of justice and equality."

In addition to unveiling the new markers, MHC also announced the new deadline for submitting marker proposals is July 31, 2023. The cost to install each marker is $10K but for the first time, that fee is 100% funded by additional money from Visit MS.

The Mississippi Freedom trail features more than 30 markers and locations throughout the state, including museums, churches, and other landmarks. The council hopes to get enough proposals to double that number. All the new MS Freedom Trail markers will be in place by the end of 2024.

To learn more about the Mississippi Freedom Trail and to apply for a marker, visit Mississippi Freedom Trail or contact John Spann, Program & Outreach Officer, at (601) 432-6752 or jspann@mhc.state.ms.us .