Medgar Evers Memorial and Exhibit

I remembered that Jackson was the site of the brutal killing of Medgar Evers when I was in high school in 1963.  The home where he was killed in his driveway is still intact, and serves as a museum, although it isn't open that I could see.  It is owned by Tugaloo University here in town.

 



 

 

 

Evers was gunned down at age 37- his slayer, a fellow named Byron delaBeckwith, was not convicted of his shooting until 1993, I believe.  The first two trials resulted in hung juries. 

 

His wife, Dr. Merlie Edgars, is a very eloquent spokesperson for human rights.   

 

 

I was also able to go to an excellent exhibit about Evers' shooting at the State Archives downtown.