50th Anniversary of the Assassination of Medgar Evers

(Jackson, Miss.) – Myrlie Evers, chairman of the Board of Directors of the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Institute, has released the schedule for the national commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the assassination of her late husband Medgar Evers, a Mississippi civil rights pioneer.

[box_light]The Institute has partnered with museums, universities, foundations and national organizations across the country for the commemoration. Events sponsored by the Institute will beginWednesday, June 5, 2013, in Washington, D.C., and culminate with a community celebration and tribute gala in Jackson, Miss., on Wednesday, June 12. In addition, Alcorn State University will dedicate a memorial to Medgar Evers on Thursday, June 13 during a 10 a.m. ceremony in Lorman, Miss.[/box_light]

Reena Evers-Everette, daughter of Medgar and Myrlie Evers and the executive director of the Institute, said a memorial service will be held at her father’s gravesite in Arlington National Cemetery on June 5 at noon. On the evening of June 5, a symposium entitled “The Legacy of Medgar Evers” will be held at the Newseum in the nation’s capital. Myrlie Evers, noted civil rights activist Julian Bond, and award-winning investigative reporter Jerry Mitchell will participate in a discussion moderated by Gwen Ifill, host of “Washington Week” and senior correspondent for “PBS NewsHour.”

The Metro Jackson Chapter of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) and the International Community Ambassadors Network (I!CAN) have partnered with the Institute to launch the Inaugural Medgar Evers Day of Justice and Service.  On Saturday, June 8, 2013, individuals and organizations are asked to implement volunteer service projects throughout their communities around the world. Everyone is invited to participate to perpetuate Medgar Evers’ legacy of justice and service. Organizations can visitwww.jsums.edu/medayofservice to list their service idea and post photographs.

On Sunday, June 9, faith leaders across the world are asked to remember Medgar Evers and celebrate his legacy by sharing a message of unity and faith. The message is available at www.eversinstitute.org.

“Where Medgar Walked: Civil Rights Sites Tours” will be held throughout city of Jackson June 10-11. The tours will offer an opportunity to walk in Evers’ footsteps.

“These historic landmarks are stark reminders of a young man called to serve – a young man who paid the ultimate price with his life,” said Daphne Chamberlain, Ph.D., director of the COFO Civil Rights Education Center and coordinator of the tours.

June 12 has been designated the International Day of Remembrance. On that day, an art garden celebration on the green at the Mississippi Museum of Art will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will feature music, art, food, book signings and a literacy fair.

The black-tie tribute gala, held June 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the Jackson Convention Complex, will honor the life and legacy of Medgar Evers, but will also recognize other civil rights legends. Invited guests include Vernon Jordan, blues legend B.B. King, and gospel recording artist Tamela Mann. The co-chairs of the gala are Juanita Sims Doty, Ed.D, chairman of the board of the Juanita Sims Doty Foundation, and Derrick Johnson, president of One Voice and the Mississippi State Conference of the NAACP.  To purchase tickets, call 601-878-1881

The following is a schedule of events and activities related to the commemoration:

Washington, D.C. June 5 Memorial Service, Arlington National Cemetery – 12 Noon
The Legacy of Medgar Evers Symposium, The Newseum, 7:30 p.m.

Jackson, Miss. June 6-12 Homecoming events sponsored by Charles Evers: June 6 – Gospel Concert, Tougaloo College, 6 p.m.

June 7 – 50th Celebration Banquet, Masonic Temple, 7 p.m.

Parade beginning at Freedom Corner: Medgar Evers Boulevard and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive – 10 a.m.

June 8 – Inaugural Medgar Evers International Day of Justice and Service www.MEdayofjusticeandservice.org

June 9 –Medgar Evers Sunday

Faith leaders all over the world will remember Medgar Evers and celebrate his Legacy by sharing a message of “Unity and Faith.”

Liturgy for Racial Reconciliation Commemorating the Life and Legacy of Medgar Evers, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Cathedral, 4 p.m.

Medgar Evers Exhibit Grand Opening and Reception, Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center, 6 p.m.

June 10-11— Where Medgar Walked: Civil Rights Sites Tours (citywide)

June 10-11 — Civil Rights Film Festival, Davis Planetarium

June 11 — Day of Commitment Youth Congress: Dedicated to the Cause of Freedom, Cabot Lodge Millsaps

June 12— International Day of Remembrance, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Art Garden Celebration on the Green, Mississippi Museum of Art Music • Art • Food Festival • Literacy Fair • Reflections and Book Signings by Historians and Authors • Sponsor Exhibits

Service of the Bells, Noon – 12:30 p.m. Memorial and Praise in Word and Song

50th Anniversary Commemorative Tribute Gala, Jackson Convention Complex, 7:30 p.m. To purchase gala tickets, call 601-878-1881

Exhibits Honoring Medgar and Myrlie Evers and Civil Rights COFO Civil Rights Education Center at Jackson State University – ongoing William Winter Archives and History Building – opening May 1 Eudora Welty Education and Visitors Center – opening May 15 Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center – opening June 9 Mississippi Museum of Art – opening June 11

Alcorn State University Events Medgar Wiley Evers ’52 Memorial National Dedication Ceremony, June 13, 10 a.m. Medgar Evers Heritage Village, Lorman, Miss. www.MEmemorial.com

Torch of Justice Awards Luncheon, June 13, Noon Davey L. Whitney Arena Complex

June 6, 2013

Medgar Evers 50th Anniversary Commemoration Activities

(Jackson, Miss.) – Myrlie Evers, chairman of the Board of Directors of the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Institute, has released the schedule for the national commemoration […]