James Charles Evers
“It’s not important how long a man lives, it’s what he does while he’s here.” – James Charles Evers
Jackson, Mississippi — Home of James Charles Evers
A Place of Reflection and Enduring Service
This historic marker commemorates the home of the Honorable James Charles Evers, sponsored by the International Black Broadcasters Association, the World Conference of Mayors, and Hiram Eastland, Esq., the marker is located at his residence at 2916 Hemingway Circle in Jackson, Mississippi.
Marker Inscription
The Honorable James Charles Evers Home
James Charles Evers gained national recognition in 1969 when he was elected as the first African American mayor of a biracial town in Fayette, Mississippi since the Reconstruction era. He was an American civil rights activist, businessman, radio host, politician, general manager of WMPR 90.1 FM, and brother of the slain civil rights leader Medgar Wiley Evers.
Significance
This site stands as a place of reflection on a life dedicated to civic leadership, public service, and the advancement of justice for all people.
Jackson, Mississippi — Home of James Charles Evers
A Place of Reflection and Enduring Service
Mississippi Freedom Trail Marker
Charles Evers’ Mississippi Freedom Trail marker is located at the Jefferson County Courthouse, 1484 Main Street, Fayette, Mississippi 39069.
The Mississippi Freedom Trail is administered by Visit Mississippi in partnership with the Mississippi Humanities Council, with support from a State Tourism Grant provided by the U.S. Economic Development Administration.
Significance
Evers’ leadership in Fayette marked a turning point in Mississippi’s political history—demonstrating that civic participation could lead to meaningful, inclusive, and lasting change. His work helped expand access to leadership and inspired future generations to engage in public service..
Fayette, Mississippi — Mayoral Leadership & Mississippi Freedom Trail
Where Civic Participation Became Public Leadership
Mississippi Freedom Trail Marker
Charles Evers’ Mississippi Freedom Trail marker is located at the Jefferson County Courthouse, 1484 Main Street, Fayette, Mississippi 39069.
The Mississippi Freedom Trail is administered by Visit Mississippi in partnership with the Mississippi Humanities Council, with support from a State Tourism Grant provided by the U.S. Economic Development Administration.
Significance
Evers’ leadership in Fayette marked a turning point in Mississippi’s political history—demonstrating that civic participation could lead to meaningful, inclusive, and lasting change. His work helped expand access to leadership and inspired future generations to engage in public service..
Fayette, Mississippi — A Living Legacy in Community and Culture
A Name That Lives On Through Community and Culture
This marker and street designation reflect the enduring presence of James Charles Evers in the communities he served.
Through public recognition and cultural celebration, his influence continues to shape both place and people.
Historical Marker & Cultural Legacy
Charles Evers & the Blues
In 1973, Mayor Charles Evers of Fayette and B. B. King began co-sponsoring concerts at the Medgar Evers Homecoming, honoring the life and legacy of his brother. Over the decades, dozens of blues, soul, and gospel artists performed at this annual festival, creating a lasting cultural tradition rooted in remembrance and community.
Evers’ connection to music began in 1954 when he became one of the first African American disc jockeys in Mississippi at WHOC in Philadelphia. In 1967, he began a long tenure as general manager of WMPR in Jackson, using radio as a platform to inform, uplift, and connect the community.
The Autobiography of James Charles Evers
The First Black Mayor of a Biracial Southern Town Since Reconstruction
About the Book
In this powerful autobiography, James Charles Evers shares his journey from civil rights activism to political leadership, offering a firsthand account of the struggles and triumphs that helped shape Mississippi and the nation. His story reflects a lifelong commitment to justice, civic participation, and leadership for all people.
“A life of courage, service, and unwavering belief in the power of participation.”
HAVE NO FEAR
Reflections on Courage, Leadership, and the Fight for Justice
About the Book
A fierce leader in his own right, and the brother of slain civil rights leader Medgar Wiley Evers, James Charles Evers stood on the front lines of one of the most defining struggles in American history.
In Have No Fear, he offers a deeply personal and unflinching account of those years—capturing both the pain and the promise of a people rising against injustice. With honesty, conviction, and hard-earned wisdom, Evers reflects on a lifetime of leadership shaped by courage, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to equality.
“A voice shaped by struggle, strengthened by conviction, and committed to justice.”
World War II Army Veteran
Served honorably in the U.S. Army during World War II, defending democratic ideals abroad while facing injustice at home.
NAACP Field Secretary
Organized communities, promoted voting rights, and advanced civil rights across Mississippi during the movement’s most dangerous years.
First Black Mayor
Broke racial barriers in elected office, expanding representation, access, and participation in his community.
Legacy
Shaped a more inclusive democracy by connecting military service, civil rights leadership, and public office into lasting change.
Honor His Sacrifice, Carry His Work Forward
The James Charles Evers Living Memorial Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.