James Charles Evers
Organized communities, promoted voting rights and advanced civil rights across Mississippi during the movement’s most dangerous years.
James Charles Evers
September 11, 1922 – July 22, 2020
American Civil Rights leader and Politician Charles Evers wears a National Association of Colored People (NAACP) pin on his laper, an organization for which he was the field director in Mississippi, 1968.
NAACP Field Secretary
Medgar Wiley Evers
July 2, 1925 – June 12, 1963
Medger Wiley Evers became a civil rights leader and the first Field Secretary of the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) in Mississippi during the very difficult times between 1954 and 1963. He spearheaded many campaigns of struggle for voting rights, to end poverty, for equal educational opportunity, against brutality, and for the desegregation of public institutions.
Mr. Evers paid the ultimate price for his steadfastness in the struggle for justice and equality for all Americans regardless of color: he was murdered outside his Jackson home on June 12, 1963. Bryon de La Beckwith, an avowed racist, was charged and acquitted twice by an all-white jury.
Medger Wiley Evers is buried at Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C.
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.