Medgar Evers’ home now a national historic monument
JACKSON, Miss. — The Trump administration announced Thursday that the Jackson home of civil rights icons Medgar and Myrlie Evers has officially been established as a national historic monument.
The Medgar and Myrlie Evers House National Monument, on Margaret Walker Alexander Drive, is the 423rd property added to the register of the National Park Service, having earned the designation in 2019. The property will be managed and operated by the park service, and while it is not open for tours, plans are in the works to allow visitors.
The site was named a national historic landmark in 2017, the first Mississippi site to recognize a civil rights leader’s home. Rep. Bennie Thompson and Sens. Cindy Hyde-smith and Roger Wicker introduced a bill soon after to make the site a monument, which can only be done by a president using the powers of the Antiquities Act of 1906. Special protections are issued for such sites to preserve their historic value.
U.S. Secretary of the Interior David L. Bernhardt said in a statement that Medgar Evers was a true American hero for his military service and an important part of shaping the history of the nation.
“It is our solemn responsibility as caretakers of America’s national treasures to tell the whole story of America’s heritage for the benefit of present and future generations,” he said. “The life works of these great Americans helped shape our nation in making the United States a more perfect union, and for that, we should all be grateful.”
Who are Medgar and Myrlie Evers?
Evers became involved in the civil rights movement in the 1950s and moved to Jackson with his wife, Myrlie, in 1954 after accepting a position as the first field secretary for the Mississippi NAACP.
Following the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision, he applied to the law school at the University of Mississippi, challenging its then-segregationist policies. He also worked toward gaining more voting rights and business opportunities for people of color, as well as equal access to public facilities.
He was assassinated by Byron De La Beckwith, a white man, outside his home in 1963. His death sparked protests, as well as many songs, films and works of art, and inspired other people to become involved in the movement.
Myrlie Evers-williams became a noted civil rights activist, as well, after her husband’s death, eventually serving as a national chair for the NAACP. She has also published several books about the civil rights movement and delivered the invocation at the second inauguration of President Barack Obama. She now lives in Vicksburg.
Evers-williams donated the home to Tougaloo College in 1993, and the institution had maintained it until its recent acquisition by the National Park Service.
The Evers’ surviving children, Reena Evers-everette and James Van Evers, said they were pleased that the efforts of their parents are being recognized.
“Our parents sought justice and equality for all Mississippians and knew such change locally would impact globally,” they said in a statement. “We are delighted that our house, always enclosed in love and respect, is nestled in a community that provides hope and opportunity.”
Contact Keisha Rowe at nrowe@gannett.com or at (601) 7602483.